Next-gen Honda Fit Hybrid coming in 2013 with bigger engine

The next-gen Fit (aka Jazz) Hybrid is expected to be launched in September 2013 and the main targets are improved profitability and environmental performance. Development of compact cars for emerging markets will help automakers in the development of next-gen small cars in order to reduce costs.

The new Fit Hybrid will get a new engine with a displacement of 1.5 L, from the 1.3 L of the current one, which will operate using the Atkinson cycle. The new engine is expected to power also the normal model as well. The assist of the IMA system will be increased from 10 kW to 24 kW.

[Source: Mag-X via CarSensor]

Honda starts lease sales of EV scooter in Japan

Honda announced today that it will start lease sales of the EV-neo electric scooter on December 24. According to Honda's plans, 100 EV-neo scooters will be delivered between December 2010 and March 2011 to cooperating businesses in the monitoring program for collecting riding data and other useful information and to start lease sales of the EV-neo to general businesses and individual business owners in April 2011. The annual target lease sales in Japan is 1,000 units and the base price (with quick charger) is 574,350 ¥.

The EV-neo uses the new SCiB lithium-ion battery from Toshiba and can achieve 34 km vehicle range per charge. An optional audible pedestrian alert system to warn pedestrians of an approaching vehicle when riding at 28 km/h or lower will be available.