Honda to Make Cheaper Hybrid by 2009

Hilary — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:28:55 +0000

A frequent complaint from hybrid critics is the price increase over gas-only models. With more hybrids now being sold than ever before, it’s certain that customers are feeling that pinch. Honda announced earlier this week that its new hybrid models will be closing the gap with estimated differences falling under $2000.

Honda President, Takeo Fukui, said Honda’s new line up of hybrids will debut in 2009, with a five-seater hatchback similar to the FCX Clarity. Also in the works, a Honda Fit, and a sporty CR-Z.

All of that is great, of course, but when will we get a hybrid minivan? Come on, Fukui. I thought you might be the man to put the plan in motion. For a company seemingly in a race to catch up with Toyota, and having a very successful minivan currently in production, I think ignoring this market is a mistake.

MLive.com also has a list of “hybrid premiums” and how many years it typically takes to get your investment back (based on specific factors, including an average gas price that will soon be surpassed, shrinking these estimates some):

2008 Toyota Highlander
2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid $7,495 11.4
2008 Ford Escape
2008 Ford Escape hybrid $4,161 6.9
2008 Lexus RX350
2008 Lexus RX400h $4,407 6.1
2008 Mercury Mariner
2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid $4,904 6.0
2008 Honda Civic
2008 Honda Civic hybrid $2,803 4.6
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
2008 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid $438 2.6
2008 Toyota Camry
2008 Toyota Camry hybrid $889 1.5

Their Source: Edmunds.com
My Sources? MLive.com and Forbes.com

Photo: Honda.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Honda to Make Cheaper Hybrid by 2009

EveryJoe » civic hybrid

Honda to Make Cheaper Hybrid by 2009