Honda News

Honda unveiled its plans for the Fit and upcoming hybrid (which will be priced lower than the Civic Hybrid) for 2009 (looks like there's going to be a CR-X AND the dedicated hybrid instead of combining them both as reported earlier).

The Honda Fit will undergo a full change this fall and in fact, the redesigned model will be on sale in all markets. It looks as of now, the interior will be much larger than the already class-leading interior. Expect a hybrid model for the new Fit, also expect familar 1.3 and/or 1.5 engines under the hood.

Also, there is a roadblock for the Japanese as the arrival of Acura will be delayed for about 2 years from the original plan of 2008. This delay is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the current market environment. Honda will reassess its basic plan for Acura in the Japan market.

In other news, China will play a huge role in Honda's upcoming global strategy. Guangzhou Honda Automobile, a Honda joint venture in China will set up a research and development facility to develop a "product which will be marketed under an original brand of Guangzhou Honda, targeting the start of sales in 2010," the company said. Honda said the vehicle "will be differentiated from the Honda brand. Honda said it will also build a new R&D center in Sakura, Japan, that will begin operations in 2009. Honda also said that Yachiyo Industry, a Honda subsidiary in Japan, will build a new production facility "in the effort to further strengthen its mini-vehicle business."Detailed plans are still to be finalized, Honda said.