EveryJoe » Civic

Hybrids Clearing new Paths in China: GM’s Buick LaCross, Honda Civic, and Toyota Prius Hybrids

Hilary — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:04:05 +0000

We were just reading about China’s BYD plug-in hybrid taking the Detroit Auto Show by surprise (if not by storm) and Chang’an Automotive Group’s hybrid innovations in China, and now Honda, Toyota and GM are bringing their hybrid cars into what may be the world’s fastest growing green market.

China represents the 2nd largest auto interest in the world, and with the introduction of the Honda Civic hybrid, Toyota Prius, and Buick Lacrosse Eco-Hybrid, major automakers are making a move to take advantage of China’s new environmental trends. In fact, Toyota began producing the Prius there, partnering with China FAW Group Corp. while GM’s move into the Chinese market represents an even bigger push.

In a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. – Shanghai GM – the companies have put into action a program they call “Drive to Green.” Beginning in mid-2008, Shanghai GM will begin releasing a slew of environmentally friendly automobiles into the Chinese market, including the new Buick Lacross Eco-Hybrid, and a line of fuel cell vehicles starting in 2010. The company plans to cut overall fuel consumption by 10% across the board.

Sources:
Marketwatch
Reuters
Shanghai Daily

Post from: EveryJoe

Hybrids Clearing new Paths in China: GM’s Buick LaCross, Honda Civic, and Toyota Prius Hybrids

Honda looks to Fit and new 5-seater hybrid to boost US sales

Hilary — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:11:05 +0000

Honda’s doing a lot of dishing lately, specifically on how the company plans on boosting sales now that their top two markets are turning downward. A loss of interest from Japanese consumers tanked sales by 12%, while the housing market in the U.S. was expected to dampen sales.

However, Honda says they’re offering what American consumers will be after – cute, quick cars with better gas mileage than their counterparts. Along with the Fit, and popular Civic sedan, the company intends on releasing a new 5-seater hybrid in 2009 that should drum up interest.

On one hand, I think Honda’s performance in the hybrid market has a tinge of tragedy. They were the first major car company to streamline the technology with the release of their hybrid Civic and two-seater insight, but those efforts were quickly overshadowed by the Toyota Prius.

On the other hand, the company’s plans seem somewhat unrealistic. Toyota held 79% of hybrid sales in the US in the last quarter, and they’re anticipating no rise in sales for next year. Honda’s President, Takeo Fukui, hails interest in “gas-sippers” like the popular Honda Fit, Civic, and newly redesigned Accord to boost their numbers.

A romantic could hope the best for Honda, and drivers looking for more ecologically friendly options will certainly appreciate the push. We’re also waiting to see the outcome of the FCX Clarity lease program later this year running in California.

Sources:

Post from: EveryJoe

Honda looks to Fit and new 5-seater hybrid to boost US sales

Lease a Prius, Escape, Highlander hybrids and more

Hilary — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:43:58 +0000

A big Thank You to LeaseCompare.com for making the process for leasing a hybrid car that much easier. (Now, when are you tapping into the electric market? lol)

Now you can get help with the following hybrid cars and SUVs:

Lease a …

Toyota Pruis, Highlander hybrid, or Camry hybrid
Ford Escape hybrid
Honda Civic or Accord hybrid
Mercury Mariner hybrid
Nissan Altima hybrid
Saturn Aura hybrid or dip into luxury byleasing a Lexus GS450h, LS600h L, or RX400h hybrid model.

Post from: EveryJoe

Lease a Prius, Escape, Highlander hybrids and more