Continuing its all-out assault on Toyota , Honda will reportedly launch a hybrid version of its Fit hatchback in the second half of 2010. If that schedule holds true, the Fit Hybrid will hit the market a full year and a half before originally planned.
According to Japan’s Nikkei business daily, Honda will launch the Fit Hybrid in the fall of 2010. The Fit Hybrid will likely follow closely on the heels of the production CR-Z Hybrid launch, giving Honda a full-range of sub-compact hybrids ahead of its rival Toyota.
A new version of the Civic Hybrid will launch by 2012, giving Honda a range of four hybrids, including the recently launched Insight.
The Nikkei also speculates the Fit Hybrid will retail from about $15,800. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui has stated that the Fit Hybrid won’t list for more than $2,000 over the standard car, so pricing anywhere from $15,800 to $16,750 would seem to make sense. Honda is reportedly eyeing 50,000 Fit Hybrid sales per year.
Although a lot could change from now until late 2010, it seems like Honda will beat Toyota to the sub-compact hybrid market.
