REPORT: Renault’s reinvigorated Gordini line to go electric?

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Euro, Green, Hatchbacks, Renault

Reports of Renault’s plan to relaunch the decades-old Gordini moniker just got a lot more interesting. The first model from the French automaker is due in 2010 and will be based on the Twingo hatchback, with the Gordini version slotting just above the already available Renaultsport model. Following closely thereafter will be performance-oriented versions of the Clio and Megane Coupe. Sounds good so far, right? Here’s where things take an entirely unexpected turn.

According to a report by What Car?, the fourth Gordini model will be an electric hot hatch about the size of the Clio. This electric supermini will seat up to five occupants and is currently slated for production in 2012, at which time it will be joined by at least three more EVs from Renault and its corporate partner, Nissan.

Pricing for the Clio-sized EV is expected to begin where the current model leaves off at around £14,000, and the batteries will be leased for around the same price per month as diesel fuel. Renault also reportedly has plans to launch charging stations where drivers can have their battery packs pulled and exchanged for fresh units, just like at a gas station. Alternatively, the cars will sport a plug to enable charging any standard wall outlet.

[Source: What Car?]

REPORT: Renault’s reinvigorated Gordini line to go electric? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla CEO vows to personally refund deposits if there’s an “Armageddon scenario”

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Green, Earnings/Financials, Celebrities

Here’s Tesla’s Elon Musk, speaking in March (and just published in Car and Driver):

Even in the worst case of an Armageddon scenario, I’ll personally refund people [their money] if need be.

While the U.S. federal government needs to step in and guarantee the warranties for General Motors and Chrysler vehicles should those companies enter bankruptcy, the loaded Musk (C&D calls him an “Internet zillionaire”) is apparently unofficially willing to give people interested in his company’s electric cars one more reason to buy. No details are available yet about what, exactly, Musk means by all of this (a Tesla spokesperson we reached declined to clarify), but this is slightly interesting, no?

Another detail from C&D’s interview interview worth noting is that Musk believes that part of the money issues that became public earlier this year were caused by misrepresentations from a management team that has since left the company. The board thought the Roadster (which was selling for just over $90,000) cost $65,000 to make instead of the $140,000 it was estimated it was really costing the company to make the car a few years ago. Part of the solution was to reduce costs and to refine the car in order to offer the new Roadster Sport version at a higher price point.

[Source: Car and Driver via All Cars Electric]

Tesla CEO vows to personally refund deposits if there’s an “Armageddon scenario” originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Governor, Energy-Related Companies Want More Energy Jobs In Charlotte – WSOC-TV
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The sun shines for about 1,800 hours a year in Charlotte, so it makes sense that North Carolina’s only solar panel manufacturing company, Sencera, is expanding in the Queen City. Sencera plans to use federal stimulus money to

Green energy will hike electricity bills: report – CNEWS
TORONTO – A new report commissioned by the Opposition says Ontario’s Green Energy Act could hike electricity bills by hundreds of dollars a year. The report by London Economics International says the average additional cost per household ranges from

Retail Energy Supply Association Welcomes Green Mountain Energy – Earthtimes
HARRISBURG, Pa. , April 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA), a leading trade association of retail energy suppliers committed to the advocacy of vibrant and sustainable competitive retail energy markets, today

EcoTrack 11: Now’s a good time to invest in renewable energy – WTOL-TV
TOLEDO (WTOL) – The time to invest in renewable energy has never been better, says Chris Downey, from Green by Design, who says business has been booming. The government has come out with some incentives: People could possibly get a 30 percent tax

Empire State Building to go “green” – Reuters
NEW YORK (Reuters) – The Empire State Building is going “green” in a model project that will save about $4.4 million a year on energy. Completed in 1931, the Art Deco building immortalized in the film “King Kong” has been named by the American

Green ETFs Poised for Obama Bounce? – CNBC
This post is part of a regular series written by ETF Trends editor Tom Lydon, special for CNBC.com. Green ETFs have been challenged ever since oil retreated off its record highs last July. The long-accepted feeling has been that as oil prices rise

Perdue seeks regional energy hub – Charlotte Business Journal
Gov. Bev Perdue warns that North Carolina faces tough economic choices but vowed to work with Charlotte-area companies to create a national energy hub to attract jobs to the region. She likens the effort to the public/private partnership that created

Americans choose simple green life in recession – Forbes
When it comes to going green, Kristen Chase does what she can: recycling, using her own grocery bags, buying organic produce and conserving energy and water. But the 32-year-old mom of three doesn’t drive a hybrid, have solar panels on the house or

Energy urgency pits tree-huggers against smokestack pluggers – Abbotsford News
If we want to put the brakes on global warming and reduce our reliance on nonrenewable fossil fuels, we must look to renewable energy such as solar, wind, hydro, and sustainable bioenergy. Given what the world’s leading climate change scientists

Empire State Building going green – 14 WFIE
NEW YORK (AP) – The lights atop the Empire State Building already change colors. Now the building itself is getting a permanent green makeover. The goal is to cut energy use by 38 percent, saving $4.4 million a year in energy costs. Former President

Tesla CEO vows to personally refund deposits if there’s an “Armageddon scenario”

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Green, Earnings/Financials, Celebrities

Here’s Tesla’s Elon Musk, speaking in March (and just published in Car and Driver):

Even in the worst case of an Armageddon scenario, I’ll personally refund people [their money] if need be.

While the U.S. federal government needs to step in and guarantee the warranties for General Motors and Chrysler vehicles should those companies enter bankruptcy, the loaded Musk (C&D calls him an “Internet zillionaire”) is apparently unofficially willing to give people interested in his company’s electric cars one more reason to buy. No details are available yet about what, exactly, Musk means by all of this (a Tesla spokesperson we reached declined to clarify), but this is slightly interesting, no?

Another detail from C&D’s interview interview worth noting is that Musk believes that part of the money issues that became public earlier this year were caused by misrepresentations from a management team that has since left the company. The board thought the Roadster (which was selling for just over $90,000) cost $65,000 to make instead of the $140,000 it was estimated it was really costing the company to make the car a few years ago. Part of the solution was to reduce costs and to refine the car in order to offer the new Roadster Sport version at a higher price point.

[Source: Car and Driver via All Cars Electric]

Tesla CEO vows to personally refund deposits if there’s an “Armageddon scenario” originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan’s prototype electric ‘Cube’ to roll around Oregon – Katu.com
PORTLAND, Ore. – Nissan is bringing their electric car prototype to Oregon and it’s letting the governor and the CEO of PGE be some of the first to drive it. The test vehicles, which have large letters “EV” for Electric Vehicle on the sides, are

Chevrolet Hopes For A Boost From Electric Volt – ABC 15 News
As General Motors fights for its own survival, the electric car that is expected to demonstrate its technical prowess is taking shape in Michigan with a boost from cities receptive to non-polluting transportation. With its arrival expected in

A123 to make batteries for Chrysler electric cars – PR Inside
AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (AP) – Chrysler says a Massachusetts-based company will supply the batteries for the automaker’s first-generation electric cars scheduled to go on sale next year. Chrysler says A123Systems in Watertown will supply the lithium

UPDATE 1-A123 to make batteries for Chrysler electric cars – Reuters
DETROIT, April 6 (Reuters) – Chrysler LLC on Monday named U.S.-based A123 Systems as the supplier of batteries for its first electric vehicles slated for debut in showrooms 2010. A123 will supply next-generation lithium-ion vehicles for a range of

Making electric-car battery exchange possible – Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Program for mentally disabled launches Marin food service Green Business: Building a solar catamaran; Jimtown store seeking ‘gold’ Sonoma County hosts workshop on energy loans Thirsty North Bay gets water funds, tackles regulations Green Business

Revving up the electric-car industry – ZDNet
At the Green:Net conference in San Francisco, John Clark of GridPoint and Richard Lowenthal of Coulomb Technologies discuss how the largest obstacle for next-generation electric cars is standards. The executives believe that standards in IT

A123 to make batteries for Chrysler electric cars – Reuters – Guardian Unlimited
DETROIT, April 6 (Reuters) – Chrysler LLC on Monday named U.S.-based A123 Systems as the supplier of batteries for its first electric vehicles slated for debut in showrooms 2010. A123 will supply next-generation lithium-ion vehicles for a range of

Chrysler Picks Electric-Car Vendor – Wall Street Journal
DETROIT — Chrysler LLC selected Massachusetts-based A123Systems to build lithium ion battery cells, packs and modules for its electric cars, which are expected to hit the market in late 2010. The electric vehicle components will be used in Chrysler

Cambridge plans solar-powered racing car – Zee News
London, April 06: Plans for a solar-powered racing car which will cruise at 60mph using the same power as a hairdryer have been unveiled by students at Cambridge University. The car, codenamed “Bethany”, will be completed this summer and is being

Chrysler says A123Systems will supply batteries for its 1st-generation – Seattle Times
Chrysler says a Massachusetts-based company will supply the batteries for the automaker’s first-generation electric cars scheduled to go on sale next year. AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler says a Massachusetts-based company will supply the batteries

Chrysler says A123Systems will supply batteries for its 1st-generation – Seattle Times
Chrysler says a Massachusetts-based company will supply the batteries for the automaker’s first-generation electric cars scheduled to go on sale next year. AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler says a Massachusetts-based company will supply the batteries

A123Systems Will Supply Batteries for Chrysler’s Electric Vehicles – Xconomy
If struggling automaker Chrysler survives its current financial crisis, it will likely come out the other end with a different owner (the Obama Administration wants it to link up with Italy’s Fiat) and a different lineup of vehicles. In fact, it

A123 to make batteries for Chrysler electric cars – WTOP Radio
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) – Chrysler says a Massachusetts-based company will supply the batteries for the automaker’s first-generation electric cars scheduled to go on sale next year. Chrysler says A123Systems in Watertown will supply the lithium-ion

Making electric-car battery exchange possible – Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Program for mentally disabled launches Marin food service Green Business: Building a solar catamaran; Jimtown store seeking ‘gold’ Sonoma County hosts workshop on energy loans Thirsty North Bay gets water funds, tackles regulations Green Business

Chevrolet Hopes For A Boost From Electric Volt – ABC 15 News
As General Motors fights for its own survival, the electric car that is expected to demonstrate its technical prowess is taking shape in Michigan with a boost from cities receptive to non-polluting transportation. With its arrival expected in

A123 To Supply Batteries For Chrysler Electric Cars – Industrial Distribution
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Chrysler says a Massachusetts-based company will supply the batteries for the automaker’s first-generation electric cars scheduled to go on sale next year. Chrysler says A123Systems in Watertown will supply the lithium-ion

A123 to make batteries for Chrysler electric cars – Reuters – Guardian Unlimited
DETROIT, April 6 (Reuters) – Chrysler LLC on Monday named U.S.-based A123 Systems as the supplier of batteries for its first electric vehicles slated for debut in showrooms 2010. A123 will supply next-generation lithium-ion vehicles for a range of

UPDATE 1-A123 to make batteries for Chrysler electric cars – Reuters
DETROIT, April 6 (Reuters) – Chrysler LLC on Monday named U.S.-based A123 Systems as the supplier of batteries for its first electric vehicles slated for debut in showrooms 2010. A123 will supply next-generation lithium-ion vehicles for a range of

Chrysler Picks Electric-Car Vendor – Wall Street Journal
DETROIT — Chrysler LLC selected Massachusetts-based A123Systems to build lithium ion battery cells, packs and modules for its electric cars, which are expected to hit the market in late 2010. The electric vehicle components will be used in Chrysler

AutoblogGreen for 04.06.09

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

	Japanese ratings give Prius an 89.4 mpg (U.S.) rating! It’s totally impressive and totally unrealistic.		Lightning Hybrid LH4 on the stand One of the strangest concepts in recent times (there are no doors) makes an appearance in Denver.
	Chevy Volt won’t be cut by task force, could be delayed by GM’s woes The plug-in vehicle is the center of the Presidential team’s attention (again).	Other news: In down economy, searches for big vehicles go up Honda changes course and switches from diesel back to hybrid EcoBoost coming to a Ford dealer near you very soon

AutoblogGreen for 04.06.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CEO says Insight price won’t be reduced further

Filed under: Car Buying, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, Honda, Toyota

Honda’s new Insight went on sale in hits homeland about a week ago, and already it’s under attack. Before it hit the market, there were rumors that it would be much cheaper than the Toyota Prius. Toyota, however, has other ideas. The Insight is 1.89 million yen ($18,853 USD) in Japan, which is the same price as the current Prius. Toyota then priced the coming third generation Prius at 2.05 million yen ($20,437 USD) to keep it close to the Insight. Then Toyota said it would keep the second-generation Prius on sale in Japan, and there have been rumors that Toyota is also working on a cheaper Prius costing around 30% less than the current one. That would pit three Prius models against one Insight, all similarly priced.

In response, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said Honda will not lower the price of the Insight. Said Fukui, “I think that is something we can’t do right now. We have to carefully examine the new Prius to know whether it is necessary for us to take certain measures. We have to think about the balance between cost and effectiveness.” If Toyota does come out with three Japan-market Priuses, Honda will be thinking long and hard about those issues.

Unlike Toyota, though, Honda does have the CR-Z hybrid coming, which could give Honda some sporting hybrid credentials that Toyota doesn’t yet have. Honda also said it is expanding its research and hybrid push into large sedans instead of counting on clean diesels for its bigger cars. Fukui feels that clean diesels are too expensive to develop be practical.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Honda CEO says Insight price won’t be reduced further originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Malaysia’s Proton, Dutch company set to make electric cars for Europe – Chicago Tribune
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia’s national car maker Proton and a Dutch-based company signed a $555 million deal Monday to make zero emission electric cars that they said would be more powerful that any existing model. Proton and Detroit

Malaysia firm and Detroit Electric to produce electric cars – Monsters and Critics
Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia’s national carmaker and Dutch firm Detroit Electric on Monday inked a 1.2-billion-ringgit (331 million dollars) agreement to mass produce electric cars to sell in Europe, China and the United States. The agreement calls for

We Drive Nissan’s Electric Car, and It’s Sweet – Environmental News Network
Nissan To Build Electric Cars The Fusion Hybrid Is Ford’s Escape Route Nissan Developing Smaller, Lighter Car Batteries for Hybrids and Electric Cars California Proposes Ban on Energy-Hogging HDTVs Starting in 2011 The prototype of Nissan’s

GMC to debut midsized crossover Terrain – MSNBC
DETROIT – General Motors Corp.’s GMC brand, known largely for its trucks, will try to move farther into the mainstream market when it unveils the new Terrain midsize crossover at the New York International Auto Show. On the surface, the tough-looking

SLC may plug in to electric-car revolution – Salt Lake Tribune
If gasoline prices surge this summer, more people may park their guzzlers and shift to hybrids — or even the suddenly proliferating plug-in cars. But scores of electric-car buffs don’t want to wait for an organic epiphany. They are pushing Salt

A plant door closes, another one opens – Detroit Free Press
Over the years, Saleen built more than 8,000 souped-up Ford Mustangs, the GT supercar and other enthusiasts’ fantasy cars. These supercharged classics sold for between $100,000 and $650,000 each. But the credit crisis, gas prices above $4 a gallon

Dutch company to make electric cars for Europe, US – Forbes
Malaysia’s national car maker Proton and a Dutch-based company have signed an agreement to make zero emission electric cars for sale in Europe and the United States by next year. Detroit Electric, the owner of the technology, says the car will have a

India’s electric car captures imagination – San Francisco Gate
Indian cities are typically clogged with hulking buses, braying bullock carts and motorbikes – stacked with as many as five people – that cause commuters to idle for hours in traffic. Despite such urban chaos, many Indians pine for a vehicle that

Detroit Electric resurrected as $25,000 electric car – CNET News
Detroit Electric, an auto brand once favored by Thomas Edison, is mounting a 21st century comeback with electric cars aimed at U.S. soccer moms and Chinese city dwellers. The company on Monday is expected to announce a partnership with Malaysian auto

Honda CEO says Insight price won’t be reduced further

Filed under: Car Buying, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, Honda, Toyota

Honda’s new Insight went on sale in hits homeland about a week ago, and already it’s under attack. Before it hit the market, there were rumors that it would be much cheaper than the Toyota Prius. Toyota, however, has other ideas. The Insight is 1.89 million yen ($18,853 USD) in Japan, which is the same price as the current Prius. Toyota then priced the coming third generation Prius at 2.05 million yen ($20,437 USD) to keep it close to the Insight. Then Toyota said it would keep the second-generation Prius on sale in Japan, and there have been rumors that Toyota is also working on a cheaper Prius costing around 30% less than the current one. That would pit three Prius models against one Insight, all similarly priced.

In response, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said Honda will not lower the price of the Insight. Said Fukui, “I think that is something we can’t do right now. We have to carefully examine the new Prius to know whether it is necessary for us to take certain measures. We have to think about the balance between cost and effectiveness.” If Toyota does come out with three Japan-market Priuses, Honda will be thinking long and hard about those issues.

Unlike Toyota, though, Honda does have the CR-Z hybrid coming, which could give Honda some sporting hybrid credentials that Toyota doesn’t yet have. Honda also said it is expanding its research and hybrid push into large sedans instead of counting on clean diesels for its bigger cars. Fukui feels that clean diesels are too expensive to develop be practical.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Honda CEO says Insight price won’t be reduced further originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grounded in clean, green energy – Star-Gazette
There are many unique things about the Tanglewood Nature Center & Museum – the dramatic architecture of the building, exhibits that document the web of life in the Chemung Valley, a variety of live creatures that children can observe and some they

Students build green stand – Northwest Herald
McHenry West High School junior Brad Stadie walks into the solar-run concession stand that he helped build with other drafting, math and physics students and teachers. The school applied for and won a $10,000 grant to make the building, which is near

Businesses look for ways to cut energy costs – Daily Tribune
As their bottom lines shrink, some businesses are taking an interesting approach to cutting costs. Groups that help convert to more energy-efficient systems say they are seeing an increase in businesses that are looking to reduce their operational

Drink green, local – Centre Daily
Otto’s Pub & Brewery owner Charlie Schnable hopes to eventually purchase a second brewing site, one he’d like to make “green” by using solar energy, reclaiming waste products and reducing pollution. With the help of some students in Penn

Consumers seek cheaper ‘green’ alternatives – Charleston Post & Courier
NEW YORK — When it comes to going green, Kristen Chase does what she can: recycling, using her own grocery bags, buying organic produce and conserving energy and water. But the 32-year-old mom of three doesn’t drive a hybrid, have solar panels on

Businesses think green – Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT — Businesses in the Fairmont area are thinking green and playing their part in promoting environmental campaigns. Allegheny Power has several green initiatives in place for its customers, and many other things are in the works. Allen

Scarlet Gray and Green Fair student contests announced – Daily Record
WOOSTER — This year’s Scarlet Gray and Green Fair will have something for all ages, including school children. The event, which celebrates energy efficiency and the newest and latest in “green” technology, will be held on Earth Day — April 22

Honda CEO says Insight price won’t be reduced further

Filed under: Car Buying, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, Honda, Toyota

Honda’s new Insight went on sale in hits homeland about a week ago, and already it’s under attack. Before it hit the market, there were rumors that it would be much cheaper than the Toyota Prius. Toyota, however, has other ideas. The Insight is 1.89 million yen ($18,853 USD) in Japan, which is the same price as the current Prius. Toyota then priced the coming third generation Prius at 2.05 million yen ($20,437 USD) to keep it close to the Insight. Then Toyota said it would keep the second-generation Prius on sale in Japan, and there have been rumors that Toyota is also working on a cheaper Prius costing around 30% less than the current one. That would pit three Prius models against one Insight, all similarly priced.

In response, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said Honda will not lower the price of the Insight. Said Fukui, “I think that is something we can’t do right now. We have to carefully examine the new Prius to know whether it is necessary for us to take certain measures. We have to think about the balance between cost and effectiveness.” If Toyota does come out with three Japan-market Priuses, Honda will be thinking long and hard about those issues.

Unlike Toyota, though, Honda does have the CR-Z hybrid coming, which could give Honda some sporting hybrid credentials that Toyota doesn’t yet have. Honda also said it is expanding its research and hybrid push into large sedans instead of counting on clean diesels for its bigger cars. Fukui feels that clean diesels are too expensive to develop be practical.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Honda CEO says Insight price won’t be reduced further originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda CEO says Insight price won’t be reduced further

Filed under: Car Buying, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, Honda, Toyota

Honda’s new Insight went on sale in hits homeland about a week ago, and already it’s under attack. Before it hit the market, there were rumors that it would be much cheaper than the Toyota Prius. Toyota, however, has other ideas. The Insight is 1.89 million yen ($18,853 USD) in Japan, which is the same price as the current Prius. Toyota then priced the coming third generation Prius at 2.05 million yen ($20,437 USD) to keep it close to the Insight. Then Toyota said it would keep the second-generation Prius on sale in Japan, and there have been rumors that Toyota is also working on a cheaper Prius costing around 30% less than the current one. That would pit three Prius models against one Insight, all similarly priced.

In response, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said Honda will not lower the price of the Insight. Said Fukui, “I think that is something we can’t do right now. We have to carefully examine the new Prius to know whether it is necessary for us to take certain measures. We have to think about the balance between cost and effectiveness.” If Toyota does come out with three Japan-market Priuses, Honda will be thinking long and hard about those issues.

Unlike Toyota, though, Honda does have the CR-Z hybrid coming, which could give Honda some sporting hybrid credentials that Toyota doesn’t yet have. Honda also said it is expanding its research and hybrid push into large sedans instead of counting on clean diesels for its bigger cars. Fukui feels that clean diesels are too expensive to develop be practical.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Honda CEO says Insight price won’t be reduced further originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda CEO says Insight price won’t be reduced further

Filed under: Car Buying, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, Honda, Toyota

Honda’s new Insight went on sale in hits homeland about a week ago, and already it’s under attack. Before it hit the market, there were rumors that it would be much cheaper than the Toyota Prius. Toyota, however, has other ideas. The Insight is 1.89 million yen ($18,853 USD) in Japan, which is the same price as the current Prius. Toyota then priced the coming third generation Prius at 2.05 million yen ($20,437 USD) to keep it close to the Insight. Then Toyota said it would keep the second-generation Prius on sale in Japan, and there have been rumors that Toyota is also working on a cheaper Prius costing around 30% less than the current one. That would pit three Prius models against one Insight, all similarly priced.

In response, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said Honda will not lower the price of the Insight. Said Fukui, “I think that is something we can’t do right now. We have to carefully examine the new Prius to know whether it is necessary for us to take certain measures. We have to think about the balance between cost and effectiveness.” If Toyota does come out with three Japan-market Priuses, Honda will be thinking long and hard about those issues.

Unlike Toyota, though, Honda does have the CR-Z hybrid coming, which could give Honda some sporting hybrid credentials that Toyota doesn’t yet have. Honda also said it is expanding its research and hybrid push into large sedans instead of counting on clean diesels for its bigger cars. Fukui feels that clean diesels are too expensive to develop be practical.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Honda CEO says Insight price won’t be reduced further originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 04.03.09

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

	Rush Limbaugh blasts green car movement because “nobody” wants hybrids The world’s most famous blowhard thinks that 1.3 million hybrids sold don’t mean squat.		GM Plug-In Ecosystem update How many utilities is GM working with to get America ready for the Chevy Volt? A lot.
	Greenlings: What is a series hybrid/extended range electric vehicle? Need a refresher course on the different hybrid systems? We’ve got just the thing.	Other news of import Toyota nearly matches price of Honda Insight with new 2010 Prius in Japan Plug In America suggests reducing warranty time to lower cost of Chevy Volt GM to gov’t: $2.6 billion for more Volt hybrid models, please

AutoblogGreen for 04.03.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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