Just ran across this short blurb on Honda's Global Small Hybrid which looks like it may be available early next year.
From the same link........." FCX Clarity Introduced at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show, the world's first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle will begin finding its way into customer's garages within a matter of weeks. " Looks like the article is a mix of fact and fantasy with the emphasis on fantasy.
Maybe it's fantasy, but since vtec.net is one of the more active Honda forums, they seem to be tuned in to what Honda is typically up to. It also makes sense that sooner or later, Honda (unlike GM or Ford) will finally get around to selling a car comparable (perceived) to the Prius. So why not next year? A little bit of real competition from Honda certainly couldn't hurt given the likely high initial demand for the Gen III Prius next spring (maybe?). Otherwise, Toyota dealers will be marking them up a few thousand combined with a 6 month waiting list.
Competition is great for all -especially the consumer! And if GM is really going to deliver the Volt (?) things will really be interesting.
Not Prius imitation but fusiform - the shape an object takes in a fluid (air) to offer the least amount of resistance. I expect more vehicles to take on a fusiform shape as efficiency and fuel economy become more important.
Corse Honda started the HEV craze with the Insight, their not going to hand over the hybrid crown without a fight (yea!) :rockon:
If you're talking about the fuel cell vehicle part, they actually will be selling a fully functional hydrogen car to the general public (this summer I think). Mass-produced is another story, I read at EVWorld.com its price will "make the Tesla look like a Kia". Plus only California has enough hydrogen fueling stations to make it even feasible. In the U.S. the Insight was the first hybrid sold, but as you mention, globally Toyota was the first. Honda is definitely the #2 player in the hybrid market. Bunch of companies vying for #3, but #1 and #2 spots are pretty clear right now.
The OP's picture is of the Honda FCX not the global hybrid. Honda will be leasing the FCX in southern California markets for $600 a month. It is a 3 year lease with no option to buy. Honda FCX Clarity - Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle - Official Web Site
The intent of my post was to relate the obivous lack of factuality in the in the writeup on the CFX fuel cell vehicle to the writeup on the global car. --"mass production" vs limited number (50?-150?; numbers made up, honda hasn't released a number) for evaluation purposes --"customer's garages" vs. none for sale, lease only Until real spec's and real cars are available, the small-global may end up being fantasy. It may easily go the way of the Volkswagen Deisel Hybrid. Honda's website notes that it will make extensive use of aluminum in body panels and the sub-frame for weight reduction. This could be a significant cost driver.
If Honda delivers a car with better-than-prius mileage before the next gen Prius comes out - I'll likely get one. Especially if it has halfway decent handling.
It's a nice looker and if it's in the low 50's real world ( HCH is 44-45 real world ) and it's priced under $20000 US then it's likely a winner for Honda. As noted above this is good for all of us. My guess is that it's more basic than a Civic. If Toyota comes out with a 'baby Prius' at the same time next year that gets 60-70 mpg real world then that will be an interesting struggle all over again ( Insight vs Prius Vol 2 ).
