Honda to launch 3 hybrid models in China in 2-3 years

Honda Motor Co said it will start selling several of its hybrid models in China in the next two to three years, aiming to capitalise on expected incentives from Beijing to promote green vehicles. 
 

The company will introduce its Acura hybrid model in China within three years, and its Insight and CR-Z hybrids from 2012, chief executive Takanobu Ito told a media briefing on Friday, the opening day of the Beijing auto show, China's largest.            

Last year, Honda sold about 580,000 cars in China, up 22.5% from 2008, lagging the overall passenger market's more than 50% rise. The pace has picked up this year, with January-March sales surging 43% from the year before.                                           

"Sales this year have maintained this record pace," Ito said, in reference to China's breakneck growth under raft of incentives by Beijing to boost consumer spending.                                           

One of Honda's joint ventures, Dongfeng Honda, with Dongfeng Motor Group Co, is showcasing a new concept model for its own brand at the show, called Linian. The brand is due to begin selling its first car next year, delayed from the originally planned 2010.