In the early days of hybrids, there was a theory that the added power and torque from matching an electric motor to a V-6 engine would draw in customers who wanted a green car with some guts. That’s why Honda made the Accord Hybrid complete with a V-6 engine. It cost more, got slightly better mileage and was faster than a standard V-6 Accord. The problem? It didn’t sell well.
That’s most likely why Honda is not going to introduce a hybrid version of its new Accord when it goes on sale this September. There is potential for a diesel Accord in 2009, but we’re betting Honda will decide to wait on that until other new diesels from Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz test the market. Otherwise, it may repeat the same mistake it made with the Accord Hybrid.
Honda Dropping Accord Hybrid (CNN.com)
Related
More Honda Fuel-Cell and Hybrid Cars on the Way (KickingTires)
Lean and Green: Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept (KickingTires)
2007 Hybrid Buying Guide (Cars.com)
