Honda to introduce Accord Hybrid next year

Honda Motor President Takanobu Ito told Bloomberg News that the company's plans include the introduction of a hybrid version of its Accord sedan next year. Ito didn’t elaborate on which markets would get the Accord hybrid nor did he reveal any information on the engine set up. However, Honda released initial details on the Accord Hybrid’s powertrain plans that include the presentation of a 2.0-litre hybrid powerplant and a brand new two-motor hybrid system.

"Mid-sized vehicles equipped with this system [the twin motor hybrid] are scheduled to begin production, starting with the plug-in hybrid model in 2012 and the hybrid model in 2013," Honda stated in a press release. The company added that the plug-in models would employ the use of a "special lithium-ion battery and charger".

Honda said that after the recent introduction of the new Freed, its hybrid line up in Japan now consists of six models, adding that percentage of hybrid vehicles among new vehicle registrations in Japan in the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 is expected to be approximately 50 per cent.