Honda is about to reveal a new, standalone hybrid model for the mainstream market at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Show, with sales to begin in 2018. The new hybrid Honda will be built at the U.S. and will not be a variant of any existing model, but a compact model with its own sheet metal, Car and Driver reports.
What we don’t know is whether the new hybrid will be a regular car or a crossover; sales of the Toyota Prius have seen significantly better days after all, and right now more and more customers are opting for SUVs, something that might be a good incentive for Honda to cast its new standalone hybrid as a crossover.
Honda is also gearing up to launch more electrified versions of its existing models, with the hybrid powertrain of the Accord Hybrid soon to be found in the CR-V. The company will also use the hybrid powertrain of the Acura MDX Sport Hybrid for the upcoming Honda Odyssey Hybrid, giving its minivan not only better fuel economy figures but also all-wheel drive.
Moreover, Honda is developing its first longer-range electric vehicles, with the first one set to arrive in China in 2019. “We are not trying to catch up with the others; we’re trying to achieve something very unique to us,” said Honda’s global president and CEO Takahiro Hachigo. That also means that fuel-cell systems will remain at Honda’s spotlight, especially with larger models.
Note: Honda Clarity pictured
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