AutoblogGreen

Hybrid sales up despite another down month overall, Prius leads charge

Sebastian Blanco — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, Honda, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo, Green Daily, USA

2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

Initial strong sales of the 2010 Honda Insight slowed last month, but new models of the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion helped give hybrids car sales in June 2009 a nine percent increase over last June. In the U.S., dealers sold 26,205 new hybrids in June, 49.6 of which (12,998 units) were Priuses. Compared to May, hybird sales were up two percent, according to data released by the automakers and complied by Green Car Advisor. This was the sixth month where hybrid increased in sales volumes. Potential reasons for the increase include the new models as well as rising gas prices (and the expectation thereof) and some uncommon hybrid sales incentives. Overall, sales were down for everyone but Subaru and Volvo compared to June 2008.

Gallery: Ford Fusion hybrid

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Hybrid sales up despite another down month overall, Prius leads charge originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports blasts Honda Insight, ranked 21 of 22 tested

Chris Paukert — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda

2009 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

Calling it "the most disappointing Honda Consumer Reports has tested in a long time," America's most influential product testing magazine has given extremely poor marks to the Japanese automaker's new Insight hybrid.

In a verdict that reminds us of a certain Jeremy Clarkson review (albeit more kindly worded), Consumer Reports blasted the gas-electric hatchback for its "ride quality, handling, interior noise, acceleration, rear-seat, access, and visibility," consigning the hapless Honda to a 21 out of 22 ranking among other small hatchbacks and wagons. Tallying a road test score of 54 points, it was trailed only by the widely-panned Dodge Caliber, which managed just 49 points.

Despite the fact that it won't receive a much-coveted CR "Recommended" nod, the Insight still managed to post a "Good" overall road test score (largely on the strength of its 38 miles-per-gallon as-tested fuel economy). Regardless, it was comprehensively beaten by both the Volkswagen Jetta Wagon and the Hyundai Elantra Touring, which scored 80 and 79 points, respectively.

The Insight was the only vehicle in CR's test group to not to be Recommended, save Kia's Soul, which was excluded because the organization hasn't compiled any reliability data on the vehicle yet. Check out the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports blasts Honda Insight, ranked 21 of 22 tested

Consumer Reports blasts Honda Insight, ranked 21 of 22 tested originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda still targeting its engines as a key to hybrid improvement

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:52:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda

2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high res image gallery

Electric motors and batteries are only part of the equation when it comes to hybrid vehicles. Hybrids still need an engine and Honda is a company that has built its reputation on engines over the past half century. As Takeo Fukui prepares to retire as CEO of Honda Motor Company, he is still emphasizing the importance of engines even in hybrids. Smooth running, efficient engines with good control systems are critical to making a hybrid perform acceptably. If the engine can't restart without shuddering, customers won't like the driving experience and if noise levels change radically between engine on and off operation, that can also be seen as a negative.

Of course optimizing the engine is also insufficient and eventually Honda will have to come up with a more robust hybrid system in order to support larger vehicles. While Honda will be switching to lithium ion batteries in the next couple of years for its hybrids, the company has consistently said that it doesn't see plug-in vehicles as a robust long-term solution. Instead, it will likely focus on using the lithium batteries to reduces the cost and weight of conventional hybrids while looking to fuel cells long term.

Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Reuters]

Honda still targeting its engines as a key to hybrid improvement originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sanyo to crank up hybrid battery production capacity by 75%

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:22:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, Honda

Sanyo is one of the biggest suppliers of nickel metal hydride batteries for hybrid vehicles, along with Panasonic EV energy. Currently, Sanyo's primary customers are Honda and Ford, but the company also has deals with Volkswagen and Audi for future products from Germany. Ford's ability to sell hybrid vehicles has, in part, been constrained by limited supplies of major components like transmissions and batteries. That situation may soon change, since Sanyo has decided to increase its production of NiMH cells by 75 percent.

Sanyo currently builds two million NiMH cells a month and had been planning to increase that to 2.5 million. Instead, Sanyo has decided to ramp that number up to 3.5 million cells per month. Some of those will undoubtedly go to Honda as it expands hybrid production with the new CR-Z coupe and the hybrid Fit. The deals with VW and Audi are believed to be for new lithium ion batteries. It's not known how many additional units Ford might get.

[Source: Reuters]

Sanyo to crank up hybrid battery production capacity by 75% originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendering: 2011 Honda CR-ZX hybrid

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:12:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda, Green Daily

Honda has said for almost two years that the very good looking CR-Z hybrid concept would make it to production. We've heard that the production version of the CR-Z would harken back to the original two-seat CRX and would be more aggressive and sporty than the 2009 Insight. Now, Japan's Best Car magazine has tried to imagine what such a car might look like, even enlarging (it appears) the big front vent. The new dedicated hybrid's name will be the CR-ZX.

Best Car also says that the ICE portion of the hybrid powertrain would be a 1.3- or 1.5-liter gasoline engine, similar to what's used in the Insight. Car Scoop has heard that a 1.8-liter is also a possibility, especially outside of Japan. We should know more when the CR-ZX is unveiled, possibly at the Tokyo Motor Show in October.

Gallery: CR-Z hybrid concept

[Source: Best Car via Car Scoop]

Rendering: 2011 Honda CR-ZX hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Insight tops European hybrid sales chart

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda

2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda's new Insight may be falling short of sales expectations so far here in the U.S., but apparently it's doing OK thus far in Europe. Honda of Europe is reporting that, during its first full month on sale in May, the Insight was the best selling hybrid vehicle on the continent. Unfortunately, hybrids still haven't achieved the sales volumes in Europe that they get elsewhere. Honda has not said precisely how many Insights were sold, but Toyota only sold 1,372 Priuses in May. The Prius is, of course, in the middle of a model changeover, so the numbers aren't necessarily representative. Over the next several months as both cars become readily available at dealers, the relative sales picture may change.

Elsewhere in the Honda hybrid lineup, the Civic hybrid took third place in the sales race and Honda again promised to bring the production CR-Z as well as a Jazz (Fit) hybrid to market.

Gallery: ABG First Drive: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Honda Europe]

Continue reading Honda Insight tops European hybrid sales chart

Honda Insight tops European hybrid sales chart originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Honda considering two lower-cost hybrids

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda

Honda CR-Z concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

With news coming in that Honda isn't selling nearly as many Insight hybrids in the U.S. as it would like, it would seem the Japanese automaker could go one of a few different directions. It's possible that Honda could reverse course on hybrids and focus instead on incremental improvements to its already excellent line of internal combustion engines. Alternatively, Honda could double down on its hybrid program and commit to more models and development. It's this latter path that the automaker seems to favor.

According to a report in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper in Japan (via Green Car Advisor), Honda President Takeo Fukui says the automaker is working on two new hybrids that would cost less than the Insight's already low $19,800 starting price. We've already heard about the planned Fit Hybrid, but we'd be a bit surprised if the second low-cost model were the upcoming CR-Z hybrid hatchback, which is expected to join Honda's lineup as a 2011 model.

Gallery: CR-Z hybrid concept

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

REPORT: Honda considering two lower-cost hybrids originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Prius takes on Insight ... on the drag strip?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:51:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda, Toyota, UK

There are surely lots of ways to go about comparing the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight. While both machines come only in a five-door hatchback bodystyle and are available solely with a hybrid powertrain, the two vehicles differ widely when it comes to size, price, available technology and performance - whether that performance is measured as fuel efficiency, handling, top speed or acceleration.

iMOTOR in the UK decided to stack the two hybrids up against one another in a number of these performance categories, and to do a little comparison on the drag strip. Not surprisingly, neither car was particularly sprightly in acceleration tests, but the Toyota's larger gasoline engine and more powerful electric motor allowed it to cover the quarter-mile in less time than its rival from Honda. Interested in knowing how the two hybrids compare in other interesting categories? We won't spoil it for you. Click here to read the review and watch the video from iMOTOR.

[Source: iMOTOR]

VIDEO: Prius takes on Insight ... on the drag strip? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda likely to miss U.S. sales targets for Insight?

Chris Shunk — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:19:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda

2010 Honda Insight - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We had to wait years for someone to give us a hybrid-only alternative to the Toyota Prius, but Honda finally did it with the Honda Insight. Initial interest in the under $20,000 40+ mpg vehicle was high in Japan, but that is not necessarily translating into sales in the U.S. Honda was initially hoping for 90,000 sales in North America in its first year, but it looks like the Japanese automaker may not hit its sales goal. American Honda Vice President John Mendel reportedly told Bloomberg that the company isn't going to hit 90,000, but the company "will be just fine" with 50,000 to 60,000 sales. Honda expects global sales of the Insight to hit 200,000 units, and hopes for about half of that volume to come from North America.

The revised sales forecast comes as Honda is keeping more Insights in Japan due to brisk demand and unfavorable exchange rates in the U.S. Low gas prices are also likely to be hurting sales of Honda's new hybrid, though the price of petrol has been steadily heading north over the past few weeks. The recession is also hurting Insight sales, as U.S. sales have been historically poor so far in 2009.

Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Reuters]

Honda likely to miss U.S. sales targets for Insight? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trying out the new Insight in Spain at the EcoDesafío Honda Insight

Xavier Navarro — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:10:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Europe/EU

_{Click on image above to see a full gallery of the EcoDesafio Honda Insight in Barcelona}

The first generation the Honda Insight wasn't offered for sale in most European markets, including Spain. The Honda Civic hybrid is available here, but hasn't seen too many sales, in part because diesel is usually cheaper than gasoline. Honda thought that it would be a good idea to promote its new Insight hybrid using a slightly more intensive marketing campaign. Named the "EcoDesafío Honda Insight" (Honda Insight EcoChallenge), a new event asks drivers from all around Spain to participate in a big challenge: how well can you hypermile the new Insight? The event is currently being held in different cities around the country and we hit up last weekend's event in Barcelona. What was this all about? Follow us after the jump.

Gallery: Ecodesafio Honda Insight Barcelona 2009

Continue reading Trying out the new Insight in Spain at the EcoDesafío Honda Insight

Trying out the new Insight in Spain at the EcoDesafío Honda Insight originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vancouver 2009: Hydrogen Fuel Cells automotive panel hearts hydrogen, praises EVs

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:22:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, GM, Honda, Toyota, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Daimler

It's unusual to hear many good things about hydrogen vehicles at a conference dedicated to plug-in vehicles. The reverse cannot be said of the pro-hydrogen folks. At the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells 2009 conference here in Vancouver, BC this week, the main message of yesterday's panel discussion on automotive commercialization was that there should be hydrogen vehicles alongside other alternatives, at least in the near term. The benefits of battery-only and hybrid cars in urban driving conditions were praised, but the agreement was that H₂ vehicles provide the best replacement for cars if we want to keep using them the way we do today.

Catherine Dunwoody, executive director of the California Fuel Cell Partnership, opened the panel with a big statement:

With fuel cell vehicles, we are clearly past the stage of hype and on to the hard work or making it happen.

In a sense, she's right. Hydrogen vehicles are available today. But to say we're past they hype? Hmmm. Not so sure about that. Listen to Dunwoody:

Much more, including more audio clips, after the jump.

Gallery: Vancouver Fuel Cell Vehicles

Continue reading Vancouver 2009: Hydrogen Fuel Cells automotive panel hearts hydrogen, praises EVs

Vancouver 2009: Hydrogen Fuel Cells automotive panel hearts hydrogen, praises EVs originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Euro NCAP finds small cars offer plenty of protection

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 28 May 2009 19:18:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, Honda, Hyundai, Suzuki, Peugeot, Europe/EU

Europe's crash testing authority, Euro NCAP, has published a series of new tests that includes the latest small and fuel efficient models offered there. The top scorers in the small car segment, with five star results, were the Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20 and Kia Soul. The Audi Q5 and the Peugeot 3008 also scored the maximum in their category. What Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP, said that the findings should help combat the false feeling that only large cars are safe: "Many claim that the weight and size of a car is the only criteria for safety. We believe that there are other aspects of safety that are just as important. The smaller cars we tested whose results are released today show that size should not stand in the way of all-round safety," he said.

[Source: Euro NCAP]

Euro NCAP finds small cars offer plenty of protection originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 28 May 2009 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Fit Hybrid production moved up to fall of 2010? (w/POLL)

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:16:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda

2009 Honda Fit - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We've been hearing rumors of an impending Honda Fit Hybrid for the last few years, and according to a report from Japan's Nikkei business daily, its introduction may finally be right around the corner in the fall of 2010. If true, the new Fit Hybrid would be Honda's entry level hybrid here in the United States, with its rumored ¥1.5 million (approximately $15,800) base price slotting well below the current Insight's already attractive price point.

The third prong of Honda's hybrid strategy would likely be the CR-Z hatchback, which is expected to make an appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show later this year, where there's also a chance that we'll see an all-new version of the Honda Civic Hybrid.

With all of this in mind, we wonder what is the most attractive price point for a mainstream hybrid vehicle in the United States. If Honda were to offer a Fit Hybrid at around $16K, an Insight at around $20K and a Civic Hybrid for around $24K, which model do you think would be the most popular? Or would you be willing to lose the practicality of an extra set of seats for the sportiness of a CR-Z? Click past the break to take our poll.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Fit

[Source: Nikkei via Reuters]

Continue reading Honda Fit Hybrid production moved up to fall of 2010? (w/POLL)

Honda Fit Hybrid production moved up to fall of 2010? (w/POLL) originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 27 May 2009 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda may introduce 2 new hybrid sports cars in the near future

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 24 May 2009 13:43:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda

click above for a high res gallery of the Honda CR-Z concept

Following the introduction of the second generation Insight, Honda has recommitted itself to developing hybrid drive vehicles. We now have the Civic and Insight in North America and Japan will soon have a Fit hybrid as well. Honda has also confirmed that a production version of the CR-Z concept will arrive within the next year as a hybrid coupe. It's being reported that the production CR-Z may have a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine with direct injection. If true, that would be Honda's first direct injected production engine.

A second new sporty hybrid could be a successor to the soon to be discontinued S2000 roadster. If Japan's Best Car magazine is to be believed, the car they refer to as FF-S2000 will be powered by Honda's 3.5-liter V6. it will apparently also use Honda's all wheel drive system. The FF-S2000 may even use a flywheel based KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) like those developed for Formula 1 to provide a further performance boost. It's not known if KERS would be used in addition to or in lieu of Honda's IMA hybrid system. Unfortunately, we have no confirmation of any of this at this point. Thanks to Andrew for the tip!

Gallery: CR-Z hybrid concept

[Source: 4WheelsNews]

Honda may introduce 2 new hybrid sports cars in the near future originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 24 May 2009 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2012 Honda Civic details circulate

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda, Tokyo Motor Show

According to an article in Mag-X magazine (via Temple of VTEC), Honda is hard at work wrapping up the design for the next-gen Civic that's expected to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. As is customary from Honda, the Japanese, European and North American markets are all expected to get their own unique versions of the popular Civic, with Americans getting their preferred sedan and coupe bodystyles and the other countries each receiving differing takes on the hatchback theme.

As you would expect, there will be a hybrid version of the 2012 Civic, and it's again slated to get a 1.5-liter gasoline-powered engine mated up with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology. This powerplant will reportedly be shared with the upcoming CR-Z hybrid hatchback where it will be available with either an automatic CVT transmission or six-speed manual.

Hopefully, we'll see how accurate all of this is when the Tokyo Motor Show rolls into town this October, where a production prototype of the 2011 CR-Z is expected to be shown. Thanks for the tip, Jason!

[Source: Mag-X via Temple of VTEC]

Rumormill: 2012 Honda Civic details circulate originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 21 May 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeremy Clarkson on Honda Insight: Possibly the worst new car money can buy

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda

2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jeremy Clarkson's disdain for the Honda Insight was pretty much a foregone conclusion, leaving the way in which he actually went about expressing that hatred for the hybrid as the actual newsworthy bit from his review at the Times Online. We can't think of a instance when we've ever heard of a car being described as "Biblically terrible," but there's a first time for everything, right?

Other choice gems from Clarkson's review include the following: "Possibly the worst new car money can buy. It's the first car I've ever considered crashing into a tree, on purpose, so I didn't have to drive it any more." For what it's worth, opinions about a car's driving dynamics are often rather subjective. We have also driven the Insight, and somehow found it significantly more agreeable than Clarkson.

Clarkson doesn't entirely dismiss the need for alternatives to the classic internal combustion engine. Instead of the hybrid or purely electric car, though, he once again points to hydrogen power, and cars like the Honda FCX Clarity, as the much-needed solution to our transportation needs. Click here to read Clarkson's full review.

Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Times Online]

Jeremy Clarkson on Honda Insight: Possibly the worst new car money can buy originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 May 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda starts making Civic GX in Indiana

Sebastian Blanco — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:21:00 EST

Filed under: Honda, Natural Gas, USA

Honda Civic GX - click above for high-res image gallery

We recently discussed the benefits and challenges of running a car on natural gas. If that inspired you to think about making the switch, you probably pretty quickly narrowed down your choices down to the Honda Civic GX and, well, that's it for fresh-from-the-factory major automakers. Converted vehicles are the other option. Honda has begun producing the GX at its plant in Greensburg, Indiana, where it also makes the 4-cylinder Civic sedan. Before the move, Honda made about 1,000 copies of the GX each year in Ohio.

The United States EPA rates the Civic GX as the cleanest car available in America. Last year, during the gas price spike, the GX was very hard to get.

Gallery: 2007 Honda Civic GX

[Source: Green Car Congress]

Honda starts making Civic GX in Indiana originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 17 May 2009 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Insight becomes best-selling vehicle in Japan

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Honda Insight

Aside from North America, the only other market where hybrid vehicles have really taken off is Japan. Even with the popularity of the Prius and other hybrids from Toyota, none has ever made it to the top of the Japanese sales charts. Until now that is, as the new Honda Insight has gotten off to a strong start in Japan. April 2009 saw 10,481 new Insights registered in Japan, which puts it just ahead of the Honda Fit with 9,443 sales. The Fit was the top selling car in Japan for both the 2008 calendar year and fiscal year. So far through three months, buyers have purchased 19,475 Insights.

It will be interesting to watch what takes place over the next several months as the new Prius goes on sale. While Honda emphasizes that the two cars are not direct competitors, Toyota has seen the writing on the wall and priced the Prius aggressively in order to try and claw back some sales from the Honda Hybrid.

Gallery: ABG First Drive: 2010 Honda Insight

Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight

Continue reading Honda Insight becomes best-selling vehicle in Japan

Honda Insight becomes best-selling vehicle in Japan originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 11 May 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Q'orianka Kilcher trades in her old Honda FCX for a new Clarity

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 09 May 2009 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Honda

With the two-year lease up on her first generation Honda FCX fuel cell car, actress and environmentalist Q'orianka Kilcher has decided to trade up to the latest model. Kilcher this week took delivery of a new FCX Clarity in Santa Monica California. The only cars that the 19 year old Kilcher has ever had are the two hydrogen powered Hondas, so she proclaims that she has never pumped a single gallon of gasoline.

One of the locations that Kilcher will use to fill up her Clarity is a Shell outlet in west Los Angeles that produces hydrogen on-site from water via electrolysis using a roof mounted unit. That station is reportedly the first retail hydrogen station to operate in that fashion. Honda also has a solar powered hydrogen station at its Torrance headquarters campus. The Clarity recently won the World Green Car of the year award in New York and is the first series production car in the world built from the ground up as a fuel cell vehicle.

Continue reading Q'orianka Kilcher trades in her old Honda FCX for a new Clarity

Q'orianka Kilcher trades in her old Honda FCX for a new Clarity originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 09 May 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda's FuelMaker finds a new home at Fuel Systems Solutions

Sebastian Blanco — Sat, 02 May 2009 11:10:00 EST

Filed under: Honda, Natural Gas

FuelMaker, the Honda company that makes the Phill natural gas home refueling system, was forced into involuntary bankruptcy about a month ago. For a while, T. Boone Pickens' Clean Energy Fuels was maybe going to buy the company, but that didn't happen. Honda has found a buyer for FuelMaker, though, in Fuel Systems Solutions Inc. FSS announced yesterday that the $7 million transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2009.

With the new acquisition, FSS adds another part to its natural gas puzzle. FSS also owns IMPCO Technologies and BRC S.r.l., companies that offer products to convert internal combustion engines so they can operate on gaseous fuels like propane and natural gas. Currently, FSS is big player in the European CNG vehicles market. Green Car Advisor says that Honda expects FSS to keep "manufacturing and selling home-based natural gas refueling systems such as the Phill." Press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2007 Honda Civic GX

[Source: Green Car Advisor, Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc.]

Continue reading Honda's FuelMaker finds a new home at Fuel Systems Solutions

Honda's FuelMaker finds a new home at Fuel Systems Solutions originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 02 May 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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