2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid, 2010 Honda Fit/Jazz hybrid models confirmed

greencarcongress.com -> hondanews.info :

Honda announced plans to begin sales in Japan of the CR-Z sporty hybrid model in February 2010 and Fit Hybrid before the end of 2010. By combining these two models with the currently available Insight and Civic Hybrid, Honda will further enhance its lineup of compact hybrid models, which leverage the unique characteristics of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), including compact size, lightweight and high efficiency. In addition, Honda is currently developing a new hybrid system which is intended to be installed on mid- to large-size vehicles.

Honda also announced that, in addition to the No. 1 line at its Suzuka Factory, the production of the 2009/2010 Honda Insight hybrid also began on Suzuka's No. 3 line in mid-June 2009, leveraging Honda's flexible production system ... the CR-Z concept vehicle made its world debut at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. The CR-Z sporty hybrid will feature advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle's environmental footprint.

- This is an interesting announcement from Honda on several levels. In a single press release we learn quite a number of things. In order of appearance :

1. The 2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid model is confirmed
2. The 2010 Honda Fit/Jazz hybrid model is confirmed
3. Honda is developing a new hybrid system for mid- to large-size vehicles
4. Honda is making full use of its flexible production system to produce the Honda Insight

In one shot, we have confirmation of the long-rumored CR-Z hybrid *and* the Fit/Jazz hybrid models. In particular what the community earlier thought was going to be the Fit/Jazz hybrid turned out to be the new Insight model instead, but this time round it does look like the real deal. My friend Yen Kai who's driving a 2009 Honda Jazz and has reviewed it earlier now has something to look forward to as an upgrade, unless he decides to switch to the Civic camp instead (heh heh).

Good to see Honda start capturing more segments of the hybrid vehicle market, though it's like a couple of steps behind Toyota in terms of coverage with its hybrid Prius (family car), Lexus (luxury range), and they've even got the hybrid MPV market covered with the Toyota Alphard. The new hybrid system looks interesting and has generated quite a bit of buzz as it looks like they are going to have an answer to the above perhaps with a second try at a hybrid Accord, or perhaps a hybrid Stream or Odyssey, though of course, at this point, there aren't much details out as yet.

In addition, if you think in terms of the global economic crisis and how it will affect spending onward, it should be evident that Honda is pursuing the more conservative and sound approach with a strategy of focusing on smaller, simpler, more affordable, environmentally-friendly and just-about-as-efficient hybrid models. Across the range they may not be the absolute cheapest (go to Kia, Hyundai and Chery for that), but they do have an emphasis on value-for-money. That has in fact been Honda's philosophy all along and it is apparently so ingrained in their DNA that, because of this philosophy, they have been known to give up market segments to other car-makers such as in the areas of V8 engines and RWD which would have cost more, pollute more, and be more complex, which has disappointed a number of how shall I put it, enthusiasts (*cough* petrol-heads) in the community. But I do understand this philosophy, however, and respect and support Honda for that.

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