Honda introduced the first Insight in November 1999. Twelve years and 11 months later, the Japanese automaker has sold one million hybrid vehicles worldwide.
At the time, the Insight became the industry's most fuel-efficient production car with a consumption of under 3L/100km. Honda has kept improving its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology, adding seven new models in the process, and claims that hybrid powertrains will play an increasingly important role in the future.
Honda currently sells eight hybrid models in approximately 50 countries around the globe. A new two-motor hybrid system will soon be introduced for midsize vehicles, while a high-output, three-motor hybrid system (known as Sport Hybrid SH-AWD) will be applied to the future Acura NSX.
By the way, Toyota has sold more than four million hybrids since launching the Prius in 1997.
At the time, the Insight became the industry's most fuel-efficient production car with a consumption of under 3L/100km. Honda has kept improving its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology, adding seven new models in the process, and claims that hybrid powertrains will play an increasingly important role in the future.
Honda currently sells eight hybrid models in approximately 50 countries around the globe. A new two-motor hybrid system will soon be introduced for midsize vehicles, while a high-output, three-motor hybrid system (known as Sport Hybrid SH-AWD) will be applied to the future Acura NSX.
By the way, Toyota has sold more than four million hybrids since launching the Prius in 1997.
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| Photo: Sébastien D'Amour |