In a recent interview with Reuters, Tomohiko Kawanabe (Honda’s COO of automobile research and development) broke the news that Honda is developing a new hybrid system designed for their larger cars.accord-crosstour-suv-car.jpg The announcement came as this “secret hybrid technology” apparently moved out of the research stage and closer to development. And, while no specific timeline was given for bringing the new hybrids to market, Kawanabe hinted that it would be “roughly the same time frame” as it takes to develop a new vehicle - about 3 years.

Although there wasn’t any additional new information offered in the interview, it is interesting to look at some of the most probable options that Honda might be considering.

For starters, you might recall that Honda Motors once offered a hybrid system in their popular Accord model. The 2005-2007 Accord hybrid was quickly discontinued mainly because it was more about hybrid power than improved fuel-economy. To date, the Accord was the largest hybrid vehicle offered by Honda. In addition, they still make the Civic hybrid and they are on their second version of the Insight hybrid.  Also coming soon Honda plans to build a Fit hybrid and a sporty new CR-Z hybrid. What all of these hybrids have in common is their relatively small size, but that may soon change.

In 2007, the most popular hybrid SUV search that included a specific manufacturer was for a Honda, even though no models were planned. We saw similar search data just a year ago with many people looking for news of a hybrid Honda Pilot, CR-V, or Element. Maybe Honda was listening?

When you look at Honda’s current vehicle lineup, some of the other vehicles not yet mentioned above include:

  • Honda Accord Crosstour (a hybrid Crosstour could create the perfect combination of green car and SUV)
  • Honda Odyssey (no company currenty offers a hybrid minivan in the U.S., so this would be really big news)
  • Honda Ridgeline (remember all the buzz about Toyota’s concept hybrid truck called the A-BAT. It is on hold, so now might be the perfect time for Honda to offer a hybrid Ridgeline)
  • Honda Green (while this one isn’t really part of Honda’s current lineup, we think it would be a perfect new addition)

Three years seems like a long time, but maybe it will be less and if not - it’s no time at all in auto years. We will keep you posted as more news comes available!