Bob Rohrman Honda

 
Honda began research into hybrid vehicles with a view to enhancing the fuel economy of gasoline engine automobiles to the highest degree possible. In 1999, Honda began sales of the first generation Insight hybrid vehicle featuring Honda's proprietary Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). In IMA, a gasoline engine serves as the main source of power and an electric motor provides additional power as needed.

Honda thereafter introduced the Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid, and Honda's hybrid models became highly popular in North America, Japan, Europe and elsewhere. Further accelerating its worldwide hybrid vehicle marketing, Honda launched the Civic Hybrid in China in November 2007, and in India in June 2008.

In February 2009, Honda launched the all-new Insight hybrid vehicle. Combining a newly developed 1.3 L i-VTEC engine with IMA, the all-new Insight offered customers greatly enhanced real-world fuel economy. In addition, the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) helped customers realize the full benefits of Honda hybrid technology and further enhance full economy.

One year later, in February 2010, Honda launched the CR-Z hybrid sport coupe, the world's first hybrid to offer a 6-speed manual transmission^*1 for fun, sporty driving. In addition to dynamic and advanced exterior styling, the CR-Z featured a powerplant comprising a 1.5 L i-VTEC engine and IMA. As a result, the CR-Z combined powerful, exhilarating performance with outstanding fuel economy of 25 km/L,^*2 creating a completely new kind of value in the hybrid category.

Going forward, Honda will continue to expand its hybrid lineup.