More Hybrid Web Resources from Honda

January 3, 2009 - This is decidedly the day of Honda web discoveries. (Actually, we've been meaning to post about these for a while and are finally getting around to it. Apologies for the delay.) Honda launched a couple of new interactive web sites last year on its hybrid efforts, both of which are worth a look. First, a Hybrid Overview mini-site (entitled "Words of Hybrid," a title that had us slightly puzzled at first) details the various components of Honda's hybrid technologies. One portion of the site is devoted to the various hybrid cars leading up to the 2009 Insight (yes, this includes the classic Insight and the not-quite-as-impressive Accord Hybrid). Second, a special "Technology Picture Book" site provides a general overview of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system (IMA), though advanced readers will find more in-depth information right here and in the InsightCentral.net Community. This is clearly all part of Honda's push to be seen as a green leader, something its biggest rival has been doing more aggressively (and successfully) for some time. (In case you missed our update to an earlier entry, full details on the new Insight are available at Honda.com. Honda also has a mini-site devoted to the classic Insight, currently available here. Be sure to stop by the InsightCental.net Community to share your thoughts!)

- Posted by: benjamin@InsightCentral.net

Honda Launches Insight Blog

January 3, 2009 - Well, as of October 2008, it seems Honda has fully moved into the digital era. A certain other Japanese auto manufacturer has had a blog for quite some time... Since our last 2009 Insight update, Honda launched an Insight/alternative fuel blog featuring late-breaking news and a selection of informative videos. The company even took this whole Interweb thing one step further, going as far as setting up a facebook page for the Insight! Just what we always wanted. Now we can all be "friends" with the 2009 Insight. Seriously, though, do visit the "Latest Insight" blog, where you'll find some good articles and can sign-up to receive Insight-related news by email.

- Posted by: benjamin@InsightCentral.net

INTERVIEW: Insight Owner Logs 350,000 Miles, Wouldn't Trade Car for Another

December 23, 2008 - InsightCentral.net Community member Larry Jensen has joined the highmiler (and hypermiler) club. As of February, he had logged more than 355,000 miles on his Insight, enjoying upwards of 90 mpg. He admits to complaining when he "only" obtains 40 mpg in the winter months. As a result, his friends find him bizarre. Learn more about Larry and peruse his tips to keep your Insight running smoothly: read the full interview.

- Posted by: benjamin@InsightCentral.net

2009 Honda Insight to Compete with 2nd-Gen Prius

May 13, 2008 - We have been remiss in updating our news page lately but our regular Community participants have been aware of this news for some time. The next Insight is -- big surprise! -- a direct Prius competitor. Clearly, Honda has realized Toyota's success with the first- and second-generation Prius was achieved in great part thanks to its mainstream, utilitarian appeal (in addition to great technology, of course). We here at InsightCentral.net are first-gen Insight adorers but we always knew the original (or "classic") Insight, in all its sporty, fuel-efficient and beautifully-engineered glory, was intended for a very small slice of the automotive sales pie. This move from Honda will surely help its hybrid sales to become viable again. December 2008 Update: Full details on the new Insight are available at Honda.com. Honda also has a mini-site devoted to the classic Insight, currently available here. Be sure to stop by the InsightCental.net Community to share your thoughts!

- Posted by: benjamin@InsightCentral.net

Civic GX Natural Gas Car Named Top Green Car in 2008; FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Arriving this Summer

February 22, 2008 - The Civic GX natural gas car took the title of the greenest vehicle for the fifth consecutive year in the ACEEE's "Greenest Cars" ranking, American Honda Motor Co. announced on Tuesday. In the 11th annual ACEEE's "Green Book Online" ranking of environmentally responsible vehicles, the natural gas-powered Civic GX ranked first with the gasoline Civic, Fit and Civic Hybrid joining the list of the 12 most environmentally-conscious vehicles available to the public. This marks the eighth consecutive year that a Honda vehicle received the number one ranking (with the Insight dominating the pack, until it ceased production) and the seventh consecutive year that Honda vehicles held at least four positions in the top 12, an impressive one-third of all vehicles on the list. "The ACEEE awards speak to the commitment Honda has made to lead the industry in lowering emissions, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing dependence on oil," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "Honda continues to set the standard for socially and environmentally-responsible automotive products and our commitment to alternative fuels will further expand with the zero emissions FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle coming to market this summer."

- Posted by: benjamin@InsightCentral.net