Anyone know what Honda will hybridize next? - GreenHybrid

lars-ss · #1 (**permalink**) 09-20-2005, 10:32 AM

This story says Honda has announced it will be hybridizing a 4th car, but has not said what car or when:

Quote:

And Honda Motor (HMC ), which offers hybrid versions of the Civic and Accord, plus a hybrid-only Insight, has said it will announce a fourth model, but it hasn't divulged what or when.

Anyone have any inside info?

Any clues or guesses?

Here's the story:

http://www.businessweek.com/technolo...040_tc_217.htm

zadscmc · #2 (**permalink**) 09-20-2005, 10:36 AM

Since Ford has an SUV, Toyota has SUVs, I'd wager that it will be a pilot or some similar larger, family type vehicle.

gonavy · #3 (**permalink**) 09-20-2005, 10:52 AM

There are no minivans that have entered the arena... and lots of moms who don't have/want an SUV and want better mpg that the van they've got. An entire, albeit unglorious, market segment ripe for tapping in to. The Odyssey is already partway there with HAH-style VCM in the engine. My money's there.

They have painted bold strokes before- this would be another- branching into another segment that nobody's bothered to, where they can define the game.

tbaleno · #4 (**permalink**) 09-20-2005, 10:58 AM

I wouldn't be supprised if they got the odyssey to 40mpg. That would make a loud statement.

AshenGrey · #5 (**permalink**) 09-20-2005, 11:13 AM

If they could hybridize that new Honda pickup truck, that would be *very* cool. I'd buy a hybrid pickup, but the GM quasi-hybrids just don't look reliable or fuel efficient.

gonavy · #6 (**permalink**) 09-20-2005, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbaleno

I wouldn't be supprised if they got the odyssey to 40mpg. That would make a loud statement.

mmm that certainly would. Bigger engine, heavier, & worse aero than the HAH though, which is at 37 (Odyssey w/ VCM is 28 now). They'd need to swap out a lot of stuff. I'll give it 35 for now, with the bigger IMA & 06 civic-like EV mode. 40 is a nice stretch goal though. And some folks here could probably blow through that already!

lars-ss · #7 (**permalink**) 09-20-2005, 11:29 AM

So would you think the Pilot, or would they go smaller with the CR-V? Or maybe the first USA Hybrid Minivan?

Those two vehicles sell within about 1500 per month of each other, so they are equally popular....

tbaleno · #8 (**permalink**) 09-20-2005, 12:04 PM

I think minivan is the best option. If they went with a hybrid 4cyl in the odyssey I tink its doable and may still provde enough acceleration.

Tim · #9 (**permalink**) 09-20-2005, 12:18 PM

I was told by a Honda salesman (so take this for what it is) that the 06 Pilot would have the same cylinder management system the HAH has (turn off 3 cyls when cruising). Maybe a prelude to a full IMA? Also, Honda has competition in the hybrid SUV market, as it has nothing to compete with the Lexus, Highlander and Escape. In that sense, it has a market void where it is not competative. A Pilot fills the hole. Or, they can get the first hybrid minivan on the street. Interesting to see which way they go. Maybe they'll go both - the Pilot and Odesey have a lot in common.

AZCivic · #10 (**permalink**) 09-20-2005, 12:20 PM

The Pilot or Odyssey are great candidates since the Accord Hybrid drivetrain would probably be pretty much plug and play. To me, the CRV would be more appealing, but Honda doesn't have any hybrids that use the 2.4l 4-cyl engine. The J35 engine in the Pilot and Odyssey is externally the same size as the J30 used in the Accord, so everything should fit.