In a press release issued today, Honda has confirmed the rumor that the Insight's days are numbered in the USA. With news coming out last week that Honda would cease sales of the Insight and CR-Z in the European market, a similar announcement for the US market Insight was inevitable. Though there's no official word from Honda on the CR-Z's fate, the writing seems to be on the wall for the little 2-seater. Time is running out for Honda's IMA Hybrid system, soon to be replaced across the board by Honda's Earth Dream 1-motor, 2-motor, and 3-motor hybrid system designs. Honda also seems to be confirming a rumor that next gen Civic hybrid and other models will use the 2-motor Earth Dreams Hybrid design currently employed by the 2014 Accord Hybrid and PHEV. Press release follows.

02/28/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif. Honda product strategy includes advancement of Earth Dreams™ Technology powertrains, including innovative two-motor hybrid system Strategy will include changes to existing lineup of environmental vehicles Honda is reinforcing its commitment to a clear product strategy focused on further advancing fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicle technologies that are better aligned with customer needs and that strengthen the company's U.S. sales momentum. Keyed to the continued rollout of a new lineup of Earth Dreams™ Technology engines, transmissions and electro-motive technologies, the strategy will be executed over the next three to four years and will include changes to the Honda lineup of advanced technology environmental vehicles, including the Honda Insight. The U.S. model Insight will be available at Honda dealerships nationwide through the end of the year, with production scheduled to end in summer 2014. Honda's hybrid product direction in the U.S. will move forward with greater focus on expanded application of the innovative two-motor hybrid system. The two-motor system was introduced on the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid and powers the EPA-rated 50 mpg city Accord Hybrid, which is the most fuel-efficient rating for a 5-passenger sedan in America. "No manufacturer has more experience with electromotive technologies than Honda and we are committed to applying our expertise to a wide range of products in the coming years," said Michael Accavitti, senior vice president of auto operations at American Honda. "Our hybrid vehicle strategy will focus on new models aimed at delivering the class-leading fuel economy and performance our customers' desire in segments that represent significant growth opportunities." The second generation Insight is the most affordable mass-produced hybrid vehicle on the market with a MSRP starting at $18,7251, and an EPA fuel economy ratings of 41/44/42 city/highway/combined2. It was introduced in the spring of 2009 and offered a unique blend of fuel-efficient hybrid performance, 5-door hatchback practicality, top safety ratings and a host of user-friendly features, including the first application of the Honda-exclusive ECO Assist™, a sophisticated feedback system that uses an adaptive color display to indicate overall driving efficiency. Long recognized as an affordable and practical hybrid vehicle choice for customers, the Insight was named a 'Greenest Vehicle' by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for four consecutive years and a 'Top Choice' by Edmunds.com. For more information on the 2014 Honda Insight, visit http://www.automobiles.honda.com/insight. 1 MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $790 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary. 2 Based on 22014 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Last edited by JeffX on February 28, 2014 19:21