Honda boss gives green light to CR-Z hybrid

Honda's new CEO, Takanobu Ito, has announced the CR-Z (Compact Renaissance Zero) sports hybrid -- revealed as a concept at the 2007 Tokyo motor show -- will go on sale in Japan by February 2010.

The launch of the new model is part of Honda's strategy to strengthen its line-up of hybrid models, powered by its compact, lightweight and fuel-sipping Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system.

This technology is currently offered here in the $36K Civic Hybrid, which pairs a 1.3-litre petrol engine with a supplementary electric motor to deliver fuel consumption of 4.6L/100km.

Honda says the IMA system will also be introduced into the sub-compact Jazz hatchback within the next few years.

In addition, the company has announced it is currently developing a new hybrid system designed for installation in mid-to-large vehicles.

Getting back to the CR-Z, the sporty coupe is expected be keenly priced (former company boss Takeo Fukui promised as much when the concept was revealed two years ago), and it's believed Honda's European arm will have a great deal of influence on the vehicle's final design, as Euro buyers are expected to account for a significant slice of global sales.

The latest announcement was no doubt timed to coincide with the changing of the guard at the company's helm, with Ito taking over from Fukui (who had held the reins for the past six years). Honda has been trickle-feeding news of the CR-Z over a long period (more here), so the announcement from Ito (pictured) is perhaps more about the man than the car.

Like his predecessor, Ito has a background as an engineer and was instrumental in bringing the lauded mid-engined NSX from concept to reality. He was in charge of one of the most challenging development areas as the project leader for the NSX's pioneering aluminium unibody construction.

Meanwhile, strong demand for the Insight hybrid in its home market has prompted Honda to leverage its flexible production system and build the car at an additional assembly line at its Suzuka Factory.

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