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Honda Announces Plans to Manufacture New Dedicated Hybrid Model in US

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Honda Motor Co. President and CEO Takahiro Hachigo announces Honda's plans to introduce a new dedicated hybrid vehicle in 2018, at the 2017 North American International Auto Show on January 9, 2017

Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo announces Honda’s plans to introduce a new dedicated hybrid vehicle in 2018

During its presentation today at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Honda announced plans to build a new dedicated hybrid model in America and launch the vehicle nationwide in 2018.

The as-yet unnamed hybrid is part of the Honda Electrification Initiative, which seeks to expand the Japanese automaker’s portfolio of electrified vehicles. During the press event, Honda also confirmed its intentions to eventually expand the use of its two-motor hybrid powertrain from passenger cars to its light truck lineup.

“Half of the all-new models Honda will launch in the United States in the coming two years will be electrified vehicles,” said Takahiro Hachigo, President and CEO of Honda Motor Company. “In the long term, electrified vehicles are key to the future of carbon-free mobility.”

Honda wants to have two-thirds of its global sales coming from electrified models by 2030. The company is also hoping to cut in half its total CO2 emissions from 2000 levels by the year 2050.

The next-generation of the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell sedan was showcased at this year’s New York Auto Show alongside the new Civic Hatchback

The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell sedan

Honda’s new hybrid vehicle will utilize the same innovative two-motor hybrid system currently featured in the Accord Hybrid, which, at 49 mpg, stands as the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in America. The company says that the new hybrid will be produced at an existing plant in the United States, but says more specifics on manufacturing won’t be announced until the vehicle is closer to launch.

Honda initiated the launch of its new Clarity series of electrified vehicles, beginning with the 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell sedan last month. Available at select California dealers, the Clarity Fuel Cell can claim the highest range of any zero-emissions vehicle in America, boasting a 366-mile EPA range rating.

Later this year, Honda will release the two remaining models in the Clarity series, the Clarity Electric and the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid.