Future Car Trends: Honda reveals its product plan for the period 2007-2009

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Honda reveals its product plan for the period 2007-2009

Usually, year-end speeches from CEO’s are as fascinating as watching two snails hump each other on National Geographic TV. Sometimes though, you’ll find some pretty interesting stuff, just as we did with Honda’s 2006 Year End CEO Speech. Bellow you’ll find in a condensed form all the new models that Honda announced for the period 2007-2009, most interesting of which are in our opinion, the product version of the fascinating FCX Fuel-Cell concept and a brand new Hybrid model –not the Civic.

7SEATER CROSSOVER FOR JAPAN IN 2007: In spring 2007, Honda will launch a new model which offers new value for the customer by integrating the design and mobility of an SUV and the functionality of seven-passenger seating.

UPDATE: FIRST PICS & INFO ON THE 2008 CROSSOVER

ALL NEW ACCORD FOR THE US IN 2007: An all-new Accord will go on sale in fall 2007. In addition, a concept model for the all-new Accord Coupe will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2007.

AUTONOMOUS HYBRID MODEL IN 2009: Application of hybrid technology will be expanded to a smaller size vehicle. Honda will offer a new dedicated hybrid vehicle in 2009 at a price level lower than the globally popular Civic Hybrid.

NEW DIESEL ENGINE FOR USA & JAPAN: Application of diesel technology will be expanded to a medium-to-large size vehicle. Honda will introduce "super-clean diesel engine" that will meet the stringent U.S. Tier ”BIN5” emission standard, which reduces exhaust gas emissions to a level equal to a gasoline engine, in the U.S. market within the next 3 years. Honda will consider introducing this engine in Japan too.

FUEL-CELL VEHICLE FOR LEASE IN USA & JAPAN IN 2008: A mass production model based on the technology and design of the FCX Concept will become available for lease sales in 2008 in Japan and the U.S.