Civic GX Natural Gas Car Named Top Green Car in 2008; FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Arriving this Summer

February 22, 2008 - The Civic GX natural gas car took the title of the greenest vehicle for the fifth consecutive year in the ACEEE's "Greenest Cars" ranking, American Honda Motor Co. announced on Tuesday. In the 11th annual ACEEE's "Green Book Online" ranking of environmentally responsible vehicles, the natural gas-powered Civic GX ranked first with the gasoline Civic, Fit and Civic Hybrid joining the list of the 12 most environmentally-conscious vehicles available to the public. This marks the eighth consecutive year that a Honda vehicle received the number one ranking (with the Insight dominating the pack, until it ceased production) and the seventh consecutive year that Honda vehicles held at least four positions in the top 12, an impressive one-third of all vehicles on the list. "The ACEEE awards speak to the commitment Honda has made to lead the industry in lowering emissions, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing dependence on oil," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "Honda continues to set the standard for socially and environmentally-responsible automotive products and our commitment to alternative fuels will further expand with the zero emissions FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle coming to market this summer."

- Posted by: benjamin@InsightCentral.net

Still no Fresh News on the Insight's Replacement...

February 22, 2008 - As our regular readers and Community members know, Honda has been tight-lipped about the Insight's successor. We figured it was time for an update, even if it was to say we have received no new information. American Honda representatives continue to say that the company is working on smaller hybrid cars because hybrid technology best suits that format but don't have anything to add. The "Honda Small Hybrid Sports" is still a concept vehicle but we hope Honda will continue its efforts in the sub-compact area and hopefully catch-up with rival Toyota, whose different approach to hybrid technology has proven very successful over the past couple of years.

- Posted by: benjamin@InsightCentral.net

Insight Granted HOV Privileges in Arizona

February 10, 2007 - The Arizona Governor's office annouced a federally authorized pilot project last Friday that allows the Honda Insight and two other hybrid vehicles (the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius) to use the state's 73 miles of HOV lanes. Owners will need new plates and special permits. In an interesting twist, the state law granting privileges of "bi-fuel" vehicle owners, who have been allowed to ride in HOV lanes, has been changed. The Arizona Department of Transportation said the federal government had been threatening to impose sanctions against the state because its authorization for bi-fuel vehicles does not conform with federal restrictions. Critics of the state law also claim that many of these vehicles - and, in particular large SUVs and pickup trucks - were converted to bi-fuel vehicles purely so the owners could get tax breaks. (For further details, see this article - thank you to Ken Linger for the link.)

- Posted by: benjamin@InsightCentral.net

Insight Wins Class A 2006 Formula 1000 Rally

November 10, 2006 - A modified CVT Honda Insight won class A of the 2006 Formula 1000 Rally Championship. The "Oatec Insight," which runs on the Honda IMA hybrid system and E85 bio-ethanol fuel, garnered its title while maintaining the same low emissions as a standard Insight. Its developers expressed great satisfaction with their car's performance in its current early-development stage and plan to do even better in 2007. For complete details, visit Crash.net.

- Posted by: benjamin@InsightCentral.net

The Insight Named Greenest Car... Again

February 20, 2006 - The ACEEE has announced that the Honda Insight has received top honors in its newest edition of the Green Book as the "Greenest Vehicles of 2006." The Insight has held the top spot on the ACEEE's list since it was first produced. Many sources are reporting that the natural gas-powered Honda Civic GX tied for first place but this is inaccurate, though it did come in second on the list. Honda executives said these rankings demonstrate the company's position of leadership in cutting emissions.

- Posted by: benjamin@InsightCentral.net