Honda upbeat on Jazz Hybrid

HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd targets to sell 3,000 units of the All-New Jazz Hybrid by the end of this year and pledges to introduce more new hybrid models to the local market.

The carmaker expects to sell 10,000 units of its hybrid series in 2012, managing director and chief executive officer of Honda Malaysia Yoichiro Ueno said.

Being the pioneer of hybrid technology in Malaysia with the introduction of the first hybrid car, the Civic Hybrid in 2007, Honda Malaysia has continuously led the hybrid market in introducing more hybrid models and options for Malaysians.

The total sales of hybrid vehicles last year was about 8,400 units and the Honda Insight became the best selling hybrid model with the total sales of 4,568 units.

This represented 54 per cent of the segment. The Insight was recently renewed in February with enhanced look and better mileage.

He added that the strong market acceptance of Honda hybrids is also experienced with the new CR-Z, which received close to 1,000 bookings in the initial four months since it was launched last November.

"With that, Honda is currently leading the hybrid market share in Malaysia at 55 per cent," Ueno told pressmen at the launch of the all new Jazz Hybrid here yesterday.

He also expressed his appreciation to the Malaysian government for continuing the full exemption of import duty and excise duty for hybrid models until December 2013.

To date, close to 800,000 Honda hybrid vehicles are on the road all over the world, benefiting from Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system.

The Jazz Hybrid comes with a 1.3L i-VTEC engine and with a five- year, or 140,000km, warranty for IMA battery, which is the same with the Insight and CR-Z, the longest among the industry.

The car is tagged at RM94,800 and is available in five colours - Fresh Lime Metallic, Alabaster Silver, Milano Red, Crystal Black Pearl and Taffeta White.

"Honda Malaysia is confident that the all-new Jazz Hybrid will bring the joy of owning and driving a hybrid vehicle to Malaysians. Honda is always deeply committed to developing cars with advanced technologies that are environmentally friendly as well as creating the joy of driving," Ueno expressed.

The car is targeted at eco-conscious individuals as well as at independent young professionals who recognise the value of advanced technologies packaged in a clean design.

It allows them to strike a balance between fuel-efficiency and an enjoyable driving experience," Ueno said.