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Honda’s new CEO, Takanobu Ito
has today announced plans to
begin sales of the CR-Z sports
hybrid model in Japan in
February 2010. The start date
for UK sales of the new hybrid
coupe will be released towards
the end of 2009.
By
combining this new model with
the current Insight and Civic
Hybrid, Honda will further
enhance its line-up of compact
hybrid models, powered by
Honda’s compact, lightweight,
and efficient Integrated Motor
Assist (IMA) system. The IMA
system will also be introduced
into the award-winning Honda
Jazz within the next few years.
In addition, Honda is currently
developing a new hybrid system
which is intended to be suitable
for installation in mid-to-large
vehicles.
Honda also announced that
another production line at its
Suzuka Factory, is now producing
Insight, leveraging Honda’s
flexible production system. This
extra capacity on line No. 3 has
been opened up to cope with the
high level of demand in Japan
where the new Insight has
exceeded all expectations.
Ito succeeds Takeo Fukui as CEO
of Honda, having been President
of Honda’s R&D operation
previously. Like his
predecessor, Ito has a
background as an engineer and
was instrumental in bringing the
revolutionary NSX from concept
to reality. Ito was in charge of
one of the most challenging
development areas as the Project
Leader for the NSX’s ground
breaking aluminium unibody
construction.
To
continue contributing to the
global effort to reduce CO2
emissions, Honda will remain
focussed on research and
development of technologies that
improve fuel-efficiency and will
strive to deliver products with
improved environmental
performance to as many customers
as possible.
The CR-Z concept car 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 car‘s
environmental footprint. |
