Honda has announced that its cumulative worldwide sales of hybrid vehicles broke the 1 million mark at the end of September 2012. This milestone was reached almost 13 years after sales began of the first generation Honda Insight in Japan in November 1999. The first generation Insight achieved fuel economy of 35km/litre* which was the world’s highest fuel economy among all mass-production petrol-powered vehicles at the time.
Hybrid is an essential step from the internal combustion engine towards full Electric Vehicles and Honda believe this technology will play an increasingly important role. Building on the unique features of its original lightweight and compact IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system, Honda has been enhancing its hybrid vehicle lineup and currently sells 8 hybrid models in approximately 50 countries around the world including 3 hybrid models in Europe.
Honda is developing its hybrid technologies to meet differing customer demands. By further advancing its current one-motor IMA hybrid system Honda will aim to achieve number one fuel economy among all hybrid vehicles. In addition, Honda will introduce a new two-motor hybrid system for mid-size models and an efficient, high-output three-motor hybrid system, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive), which delivers both superior handling and excellent fuel economy. This system will be applied to the new NSX which will be sold in Europe.
Under the global environmental slogan of ‘Blue Skies for Our Children,’ Honda will continue its efforts to develop and sell hybrid vehicles in an aim to realise a low carbon society.
History of Honda’s Hybrid Models
| Year | Month / Model introduced to the market | Honda’s cumulative worldwide hybrid vehicle sales |
| 1999 | November: First generation Insight | |
| 2001 | December: Civic Hybrid | |
| 2004 | December: Accord Hybrid (North America only) | |
| 2005 | April: 100,000 units | |
| 2007 | May: 200,000 units | |
| 2009 | February: Second generation Insight | August: 400,000 units |
| 2010 | February: CR-Z
October: Fit Hybrid |
December: 600,000 units |
| 2011 | June: Fit Shuttle Hybrid (Japan only)
October: Freed Hybrid (Japan only) Freed Spike Hybrid (Japan only) |
December: 800,000 units |
| 2012 | May: Acura ILX Hybrid (USA, Canada only) | September: 1,000,000 units |
