Hybrid seems to be the new buzz word at Honda Motor Co, for the company would develop a new hybrid system for larger cars.
"We've left the research stage and entered the field of development," said Tomohiko Kawanabe, Honda's chief operating officer for automobile research and development. He also added that these vehicles could hit the US market in about three years.
As far as India is concerned Kawanabe said that Honda is studying development of a small diesel engine. This is a vital move for staying ahead in emerging markets including India and in Europe where diesel vehicles are in great demand. "If you want to compete in markets like India, and also Europe, (a small diesel engine) is necessary," said Tomohiko Kawanabe .
Honda ventured into the hybrid segment pretty early but it was eventually left behind by Toyota and Ford. But the hybrid system being developed by Honda is simpler and cheaper than Toyota's.
Honda's soon to be launched gasoline-electric cars the Insight and the CR-Z have a single electric motor, while Toyota's Prius has two. However, Honda's hybrid system still lags behind Toyota's full hybrid system in terms of fuel efficiency.
Honda abandoned its old strategy of raising fuel efficiency in bigger cars using clean diesel technology and turned to developing a hybrid system for its larger cars such as the Odyssey minivan and Pilot SUV.
No specific time was announced for the launch of the new Hybrid but Kawanabe was here saying it would take "roughly the same time frame" as the three years it takes to develop a new vehicle.
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