Honda has flagged a hybrid future by confirming four hybrid models will feature in its Australian range by 2012.
The existing Civic Hybrid - full model change next year - has now been joined by the sharply-priced Insight Hybrid five-door hatchback.
In July next year, Honda Australia will launch the acclaimed CRZ Hybrid sports coupe.
Honda’s excellent Jazz small car also has a hybrid version and this is due on-sale locally within 12 months.
Stephen Collins, Honda Australia’s General Manager of Sales & Marketing, confirmed the hybrid vehicles, and a new advertising campaign using the voice of iconic British TV star Stephen Fry, were crucial in plans to grow sales volume to 47,000 vehicles next year.
“We will never walk away from Honda’s hallmark precision engineering and future-focused technology, but we do want to show a more human side to our brand,” Mr Collins explained at the launch of Honda Insight.
Signifying this new direction, Mr Collins said: “The three core pillars of the Inisght are ‘Fun To Drive’, ‘Fuel-Efficient’ and ‘Affordable’.
