Honda’s Plans Include Electric Motorcycles and Diesel Cars
In a just-announced revised product development plan, Honda says they will concentrate on hybrid and compact vehicles.
Honda will start selling the 2009 Insight in Japan this Spring with a price targeted under 2,000,000 yen ($22,325). Honda has previously announced the new Insight will go on sale in the US at a price starting under $18,500.
Additionally, a new sporty hybrid based on the CR-Z concept will be introduced in 2010, and Honda is considering mid- and large-size models in the hybrid line up.
Honda also will develop a small diesel engine and plans on introducing an electric motorcycle two years from now.
- » See also: Is the Renault-Nissan Alliance Going in Two Different Electric Car Directions?
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Given the current severe economic situation, Honda recently decided to withdraw from Formula One, to cut temporary staff by 450 in Japan, and to postpone opening a new plant. Honda also discontinued the further development of a V10 supercar, a successor to NSX.
You can find out more about these developments from Honda’s Press Info here (in Japanese, Sorry).
Image Credit: All pictures are taken by Tetsuya Yokoyama
If honda puts a diesel in their accord or civic I will immediately buy one. Get with the program, they have been promising a diesel in the US for years.
A combination of electric motor with diesel engines would stretch the milage up to 60miles/gallon.
Diesel and electric will both give massive torque, which covers the low end. Pop in a turbo that can be turned off in “eco” mode for the high end, and you’ll have a great town and country cruiser grocery getter funmobile with excellent efficiency. Jetta TDI flavored hybrid, anyone?
Of course, that’s just a transition to a series hybrid.