Via Autoblog:

Big news from the Honda camp today. In its push to fulfill its "2010 Vision" established in 1998 Honda will be introducing a new low-cost hybrid in North America in 2009 that's expected to sell 200,000 units annually worldwide. It will be produced at the company's Suzuka plant in Japan and be a "dedicated" hybrid model, meaning that this is not the Fit Hybrid that's been floating around the web the past few weeks.

In anticipation of the upcoming diesel boom in the U.S. after the E.P.A. switches us over to Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel in October of this year, Honda will also be introducing a new four-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine in North America that's based on its offerings in Europe.

Finally, Honda will invest $400 million in a new U.S. assembly plant that will be operational by 2008, as well as put another $140 million in a new engine plant in Canada. Another $125 million is being pledged to expand the company's engine, transmission and powertrain component facilities in Georgia and Ohio, as well. All told these facilities will generate an additional 1,920 jobs in North America and boost Honda's production on the continent from 1.4 million to 1.6 million units by 2008.

For further details check out the full press release from Honda after the jump...

Autoblog Link

 

I can't wait. I've been disappointed with honda's hybrids, but i have faith in them. Toyota is a hypocrite

Didja see that FJ cruiser!!! AT a time like this???

 

cant wait either

 

Why is Toyota a hypocrite? Toyota has a wide range of automobiles to cater to different people with different needs, well except a sports car but supposely that is about to change soon with the rumored reintroduction of the Supra into their 2007/08 lineup. The FJ Series is a classic and people still buy SUVs despite high gas prices. Not everyone is a tree hugger and not everyone buys a car based on gas prices or maximum MPG it can achieve.

My wife and I saw an FJ Cruiser on the street over the weekend and it is nice. So nice, we're going to Toyota to check it out this weekend and possibly trade in her Mini Cooper S for one.

 

This is likely the new diesel used in europe.

http://world.honda.com/HDTV/news/200..._1a/index.html

 

I would cream my pants if Honda made a Fit with a direct injection diesel :drool:

TORQUE!!!

 

I love the FJcruiser, wanted one but 17/21 mpg's on premium turned me-off 17/21 is not that bad but since Toyota seem to start over estimating mpg (prius included) of their cars/trucks, i'd be lucky to see those #'s.

 

Wow, very impressive diesel, hope to see it come here - my wifes VW TDI gets up to 60 MPG when driven on the freeway at 65 - I would think this would do even better than that - and no wasted hybird weight from two motors and batteries and still low emissions - the best of all worlds!

 

I remember seeing the first Honda car outside Northwest Motorcycle shop.
Honda has come a long way since then.

Click on this site for a Timeline of Honda.

http://world.honda.com/timeline/

 

is it the 1.9 VW? that mpg seems way too high, i averaged 38 mpg with the 01 Golf tdi i had 60/40 mix driving and 70 mph hwy. Even all freeway and 65 mph, 60 is oddly high. Even VW claimed mpg's for those doesn't even come close to 60.

 

I drove it to NJ and back and i barely clipped 40 mpg.