Honda has finally pulled the Insight off of life support, according to autoblog. In a press release issued today, the Japanese car manufacturer announced that production of the most affordable hybrid will cease this summer. Honda will be strengthening its focus on advancement of their Earth Dreams Technology powertrains.
Manufacturer has more experience with electromotive technologies than Honda and we are committed to applying our expertise to a wide range of products in the coming years," said Michael Accavitti, senior vice president of auto operations at American Honda. "Our hybrid vehicle strategy will focus on new models aimed at delivering the class-leading fuel economy and performance our customers' desire in segments that represent.
The next three or four years Honda will be making changes to their line up with focus on the new two-motor system found in the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid which gets 50mpg, making it the most fuel-efficient rating for a 5-passenger sedan in America.
For four straight years, the second generation Insight was named “Greenest Vehicle” by the American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy (say that three times fast) and a “Top Choice” by Edmunds. The second generation introduced in 2009 offered fuel-efficient hybrid performance with 5-door hatchback practicality, but its demise puts the sportier CR-Z on the chopping block next.