Global sales of Honda hybrid cars surpassed one million units at the end of September 2012.

This milestone number has been reached 12 years and 11 months after the first-generation Insight went on sale in Japan in November 1999, το οποίο την εποχή εκείνη είχε την καλύτερη κατανάλωση παγκοσμίως από όλα τα βενζινοκίνητα οχήματα μαζικής παραγωγής, 35km/lt.

Leveraging the unique features of the first lightweight and compact IMA hybrid system (Integrated Motor Assist), Honda has upgraded its hybrid range and today markets eight hybrid models in 50 countries around the world.

This year in May, Honda began production of hybrid models outside of Japan with the Acura ILX Hybrid in the US, while the Jazz Hybrid followed this year in July in Thailand.

Additional, Honda plans to start production of the Jazz Hybrid in Malaysia this year to offer hybrid vehicles with speed, affordability and low CO2 emissions in the Asian continent, where the demand for efficient vehicles is expected to increase in the future.

In addition to the evolution of its current range of hybrid models equipped with the IMA hybrid system and an electric motor, Honda to launch new mid-range hybrids with two-electric hybrid system.

Moreover, aiming for ultimate driving performance, a powerful high-performance hybrid system with three electric motors, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive), which will combine sporty behavior and economical consumption, it will be used in the NSX and Acura RLX, as in the successor to the Legend that is scheduled to be presented in Japan.

The history of Honda hybrid models

Year

Month / Model introduced to the market

Cumulative global sales of Honda hybrid vehicles

1999 November: The first generation Insight
2001 December: Civic Hybrid
2004 December: Accord Hybrid (only B. America)
2005 April: 100.000 points
2007 May: 200.000 points
2009 February: Second generation Insight August: 400.000 points
2010 February: CR-Z
October: Fit Hybrid

December: 600.000 points
2011 June: Fit Shuttle Hybrid (Japan only)
October: Freed Hybrid (Japan only)

Freed Spike Hybrid (Japan only)

December: 800.000 points
2012 May: Acura ILX Hybrid (USA, Canada only) September: 1.000.000 points

Source : newsbeast.gr