New Honda Hybrid Will Halve The Hybrid Premium

Honda has announced that it is on target for the release of its hybrid-only vehicle. The company expects the new model to hit the showrooms in 2009, and says that the cost of the hybrid technology will be about half the cost of the current "hybrid premium" seen on the Civic model.

Engineering changes have decreased the size and weight of the hybrid powertrain, and have simplified its operations, resulting in lower consumer costs. The company also says it will use its Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, already in use on other Honda hybrid models, but that it will try to reduce the size and weight of that system, and simplify it for the new hybrid-only model.

According to the company, the hybrid-only model (which has yet to be named) will be a family-oriented sedan with seating for five. Size-wise, the new model will be larger than a Fit but smaller than a Civic. The company believes the vehicle will be priced below $19,000.

Source: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.