15.10.2012 Honda hybrid sales pass 1 million mark

Honda’s cumulative worldwide sales of hybrid vehicles passed the 1 million mark at the end of September 2012.

This milestone was reached almost 13 years after sales began of the first generation Honda Insight in Japan in November 1999.

The first generation 2-door Insight (pictured) achieved the groundbreaking fuel economy of 83 mpg (CO2 of 80g/km), then the world's highest fuel economy for a mass-production petrol-powered car.

Honda believe that hybrid cars, essentially one technological step from an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle towards a full electric vehicle, will play an increasingly important role in reducing emissions from motorised road transport.

Building on the unique features of its original lightweight and compact IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system, Honda has been enhancing its hybrid vehicle line-up and currently sells 8 hybrid models in approximately 50 countries around the world including 3 hybrid models in Europe.

By further advancing its current one-motor IMA hybrid system Honda are aiming to once again develop a petrol car with one of the highest fuel economies for a production car.

In addition, Honda are to introduce a new two-motor hybrid system for mid-size models and an efficient, high-output three-motor hybrid system, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive), which delivers both superior handling and excellent fuel economy. This system will be applied to the new NSX which will be sold in Europe.

Short History of Honda’s Hybrids:
* 1999 – Nov: First generation Insight
* 2001 – Dec: Civic Hybrid launched
* 2004 – December: Accord Hybrid (North America)
* 2005 – April: 100,000 units sold (cumulative)
* 2007 – May: 200,000 units sold (cumulative)
* 2009 – February: 2nd gen. Insight Hybrid, Aug: 400,000 units sold
* 2010 – February: CR-Z Hybrid launched, Dec: 600,000 units sold
* 2010 – October: Fit or Jazz Hybrid launched
* 2011 – June: Fit Shuttle Hybrid (Japan), Dec: 800,000 units
* 2011 – October: Freed Hybrid (Japan)
* 2011 – Freed Spike Hybrid (Japan)
* 2012 May: Acura ILX Hybrid (USA, Canada), Sept: 1,000,000 units