Honda Insight production to end soon
Honda will be stopping the production of its Insight hybrid vehicle in the US due to the combined effect of poor sales and Honda's strategy of expanding applications of its two motor hybrid system for future hybrids. This two motor hybrid system currently does duty in the 2014 Accord plug-in hybrid. The changes to the Honda lineup is also part of the new rollout of Earth Dreams technology engines, transmission and electro-motive systems which will be bought out by the manufacturer in a controlled manner in the coming three to four years.
The second generation Insight is the most affordable hybrid in the US market and retails for Rs 11.58 lakh. It has been steadily losing sales over the years with Toyota's Prius hybrid becoming the favourite of US customers. The car gives an EPA rated combined fuel economy of 17.8kmpl. Insight was the first recipient of Honda's ECO Assist technology which is a feedback system using an adaptive display indicating the vehicle's overall driving efficiency.
Michael Accavitti, senior vice president, auto operations, American Honda said, "No manufacturer has more experience with electromotive technologies than Honda and we are committed to applying our expertise to a wide range of products in the coming years. Our hybrid vehicle strategy will focus on new models aimed at delivering the class-leading fuel economy and performance our customers' desire in segments that represent significant growth opportunities."
The production of the U.S spec Insight will stop by this summer and the model is expected to be on sale in Honda showrooms till the end of the year.
Honda Commits to the Expansion of Hybrid Vehicle Offerings in the U.S.
| - Honda product strategy includes advancement of Earth Dreams Technology powertrains, including innovative two-motor hybrid system - Strategy will include changes to existing lineup of environmental vehicles TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 28 Honda is reinforcing its commitment to a clear product strategy focused on further advancing fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicle technologies that are better aligned with customer needs and that strengthen the company's U.S. sales momentum. Keyed to the continued rollout of a new lineup of Earth Dreams Technology engines, transmissions and electro-motive technologies, the strategy will be executed over the next three to four years and will include changes to the Honda lineup of advanced technology environmental vehicles, including the Honda Insight. The U.S. model Insight will be available at Honda dealerships nationwide through the end of the year, with production scheduled to end in summer 2014. Honda's hybrid product direction in the U.S. will move forward with greater focus on expanded application of the innovative two-motor hybrid system. The two-motor system was introduced on the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid and powers the EPA-rated 50 mpg city Accord Hybrid, which is the most fuel-efficient rating for a 5-passenger sedan in America. "No manufacturer has more experience with electromotive technologies than Honda and we are committed to applying our expertise to a wide range of products in the coming years," said Michael Accavitti, senior vice president of auto operations at American Honda. "Our hybrid vehicle strategy will focus on new models aimed at delivering the class-leading fuel economy and performance our customers' desire in segments that represent significant growth opportunities." The second generation Insight is the most affordable mass-produced hybrid vehicle on the market with a MSRP starting at ,7251, and an EPA fuel economy ratings of 41/44/42 city/highway/combined2. It was introduced in the spring of 2009 and offered a unique blend of fuel-efficient hybrid performance, 5-door hatchback practicality, top safety ratings and a host of user-friendly features, including the first application of the Honda-exclusive ECO Assist, a sophisticated feedback system that uses an adaptive color display to indicate overall driving efficiency. Long recognized as an affordable and practical hybrid vehicle choice for customers, the Insight was named a 'Greenest Vehicle' by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for four consecutive years and a 'Top Choice' by Edmunds.com. | |
