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:

Wall Street Journal

Business Week

CNN Money

Bloomberg

Post from: EveryJoe

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

At this year’s LA Auto Show, Honda took a big step into the future announcing that the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle will be offered for lease in the summer of 2008. For $600.00 per month – including maintenance and collision insurance – customers will be able to lease a an FCX Clarity for a term of 3 years.

This, of course, begs the question … how responsible a choice are hydrogen-fueled cars? I know, I know. I’m not an engineer, and I don’t really understand the science behind a lot of things other bloggers do, but I’m worried that hydrogen trades dependence on one fuel that uses up resources and pollutes the air for another whose production will use up resources/pollute our air. I know you can make it with fairly environmentally friendly options, but with the costs being higher, I’m not sure they’ll win out.

Then there are safety concerns. What will happen if there’s a leak? Or in a collision? The technology – for consumers – is still very new, and like most new things, it will take a few brave souls to test the waters. Unfortunately, those souls won’t be found among my immediate family. For one, there is very limited availability – the lease option is restricted to residents of Torrance, Santa Monica and Irvine areas. For two, it’s a four-person sedan, which just doesn’t fit our family’s needs. I’m going to hunt around for more information on safety though, because I would imagine, if anything kills the hydrogen-fueled car, it will be the public’s perception of safety.

Image: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Lease a Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle