Honda Insight officially axed

Considering the poor sales of the model, Honda have finally decided to axe the Insight from it's line up. The company confirmed that the Insight hybrid will be discontinued and 2014 will be it's final model year.

Whats the reason for the Insight axing?

The Japanese car maker always claimed that the model was the cheapest mass produced hybrid but never updated or replaced it outright with a redesigned model. Against the direct competitor, From the brand who own company Lexus Toyota with the Toyota Prius which debuted in the US seven months later, the Insight was overpowered, even the company's own Civic hybrid was a better competitor despite it's higher price tag.

When the Insight model was first introduced it became the first petrol/electric hybrid to be sold in the US. Output will officially stop this summer, though the model will be available in the US until the end of the year.

The Insight was the first hybrid vehicle in the United States when Honda introduced it in 1999, seven months earlier than the Prius. U.S. sales of the Insight plunged 18 percent to 4,802 last year, making it the second-worst selling car in the Honda brand lineup, behind only the CR-Z hybrid.

Comments from Honda

The company commented in a press release, “Honda is reinforcing its commitment to a clear product strategy focused on further advancing fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicle technologies that are better aligned with customer needs and that strengthen the company's U.S. sales momentum. Keyed to the continued rollout of a new lineup of Earth Dreams™ Technology engines, transmissions and electro-motive technologies, the strategy will be executed over the next three to four years and will include changes to the Honda lineup of advanced technology environmental vehicles, including the Honda Insight. The U.S. model Insight will be available at Honda dealerships nationwide through the end of the year, with production scheduled to end in summer 2014.”

Michael Accavitti, senior vice president of auto operations at America Honda, commented, “No 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. 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 significant growth opportunities.”

Honda says that, moving forward, it will focus its efforts on expanding its newer two-motor hybrid system found in the Accord to rival other EV selling companies such as the likes of, BMW.With the Insight model officially gone, the rumours are that the CR-Z may soon follow.