Honda's hybrid crusade

26 October 2007 9:00 GMT / By Jonathan Goddard

Honda has confirmed plans to put new green cars into production. The FCX hydrogen fuel cell concept car and a lightweight, hybrid sportscar will both be built – with a production version of the FCX making its debut as early as next month.

Speaking today, Honda boss Takeo Fukui announced plans to unveil a production version of the FCX Concept at the LA Show in November. The car will then go on sale in the US and Japan during 2008.

Honda also revealed that a car based on its CR-Z Concept – a sportscar powered by a hybrid powertrain – would also enter production. This coupe will join Honda’s forthcoming "global hybrid" family car, which is due to launch in 2009.

The announcements mark the beginning of a new generation of environmentally friendlier vehicles designed to appeal to a broader audience.

“Hybrids have always been seen as niche products, and hybrid car design has mostly been based around practicality and versatility”, said John Kingston, environment manager at Honda UK. “The CR-Z Concept looks stunning, and shows that green cars can be sexy and exciting – but also minimise environmental impact."

Honda says it will sell more than 250,000 hybrids a year by 2009.

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