In addition to the new hybrid, Honda Will introduce several other hybrids: a Civic, a new sporty model based on the CR-Z and a Fit subcompact, sold as the Jazz in Europe, Fukui said.
"Hybrids have drawn attention for their image, but time has come to go to the next step," he said, stressing that Honda was serious about selling hybrids in numbers.
Fukui refused to give the price for the new vehicle, which would be offered solely as a hybrid. But he said the difference between hybrids and their comparable standard models should be kept within 200,000 yen ($1,900), although such price gaps can now reach as much as 500,000 yen ($4,800).
"The 200,000 yen difference is a must," said Fukui. The new hybrid's name was not yet disclosed. It will be a five-door sedan seating five passengers, and feature new technology that reduced the size and weight of the hybrid system to increase fuel efficiency, according to Honda, Japan's second-biggest automaker.
