Honda: Insight News
06-15-2009, 10:44 AM
#241
The sizzle in the Steak
Honda Insight likely to miss U.S. sales target
Honda’s all-new Insight hybrid has been a hot seller in Japan, but the fuel efficient four-door will likely miss its full-year sales goal here in the U.S. The Insight surged to become the best-selling vehicle in Japan in April, but U.S. sales are off 33 percent from their predicted pace.
At its current pace, the Insight – which hit the U.S. market in March — will sell about 50,000 to 60,000 units in its first 12 months. That’s behind the 90,000 sales Honda had expected. “I don’t think we’ll get to 90,000,” Honda vice president John Mendel told Bloomberg.
Although fuel efficient cars saw strong demand in early to mid 2008, lower fuel prices and a weakened economy have conspired against the Insight. In fact, hybrid sales were down 38 percent through May, compared to an overall market drop of 37 percent.
However, there is still time for the Insight to recover. The economy is expected to rebound by year’s end and gas prices have been steadily increasing over the last few weeks. Insight sales are expected to top 4,000 units this month, up from 2,098 May sales.
At its current pace, the Insight – which hit the U.S. market in March — will sell about 50,000 to 60,000 units in its first 12 months. That’s behind the 90,000 sales Honda had expected. “I don’t think we’ll get to 90,000,” Honda vice president John Mendel told Bloomberg.
Although fuel efficient cars saw strong demand in early to mid 2008, lower fuel prices and a weakened economy have conspired against the Insight. In fact, hybrid sales were down 38 percent through May, compared to an overall market drop of 37 percent.
However, there is still time for the Insight to recover. The economy is expected to rebound by year’s end and gas prices have been steadily increasing over the last few weeks. Insight sales are expected to top 4,000 units this month, up from 2,098 May sales.
07-23-2009, 01:52 PM
#242
The sizzle in the Steak
Back to the drawing board?
After just a few months on the market, Honda engineers are said to be going back to the drawing board on the Honda Insight hybrid. Honda’s answer to the Toyota Prius was initially a sales success, but criticisms about the car’s fuel economy and ride and handling have fast tracked improvements for the Insight.
According to Autocar, Honda is working on a number of improvements for the Insight, including better fuel economy. The Insight currently scores 85mpg in the Japanese testing cycle, trailing significantly behind the third-generation Prius’ rating of 107mpg. It remains unknown what tweaks are being made, but the updated Insight should close that gap.
Addressing concerns about the Insight’s rough ride, engineers are reportedly working on improvements for the car’s suspension. Several complaints have been fielded about the Insight’s rough ride over all but the smoothest of surfaces.
No timeframe has been given for the release of the updated Insight, but a launch could come sooner than expected. After taking the crown of Japan’s best-selling model in April, the Insight has fallen down the sales chart, now ranking behind the Prius and Honda’s own Jazz (Fit). The Insight is also likely to miss its sales target here in the U.S.
According to Autocar, Honda is working on a number of improvements for the Insight, including better fuel economy. The Insight currently scores 85mpg in the Japanese testing cycle, trailing significantly behind the third-generation Prius’ rating of 107mpg. It remains unknown what tweaks are being made, but the updated Insight should close that gap.
Addressing concerns about the Insight’s rough ride, engineers are reportedly working on improvements for the car’s suspension. Several complaints have been fielded about the Insight’s rough ride over all but the smoothest of surfaces.
No timeframe has been given for the release of the updated Insight, but a launch could come sooner than expected. After taking the crown of Japan’s best-selling model in April, the Insight has fallen down the sales chart, now ranking behind the Prius and Honda’s own Jazz (Fit). The Insight is also likely to miss its sales target here in the U.S.
07-24-2009, 12:19 AM
#244
Race Director
^ I wouldn't declare that yet. Cheap gas + down economy = fewer sales. And like many other financially savvy folks, people in Japan (and elsewhere) are doing the math: any potential fuel savings (say, 10mpg) between the Insight and Fit (jazz) are outweighed by the extra up front cost ($4k?) of the Insight over the Fit during the typical ownership period. There are only so many true tree huggers out there that are buying hybrids as a status symbol.
07-24-2009, 02:46 PM
#245
^ I wouldn't declare that yet. Cheap gas + down economy = fewer sales. And like many other financially savvy folks, people in Japan (and elsewhere) are doing the math: any potential fuel savings (say, 10mpg) between the Insight and Fit (jazz) are outweighed by the extra up front cost ($4k?) of the Insight over the Fit during the typical ownership period. There are only so many true tree huggers out there that are buying hybrids as a status symbol.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=708373&page=6
Honda simple dont have money for diesel period. Insight is badly flop. infact it will hurt Fit/Civic at the end. Its interanl market Japan is in terminal decline
Honda simple dont have money for diesel period. Insight is badly flop. infact it will hurt Fit/Civic at the end. Its interanl market Japan is in terminal decline
07-24-2009, 06:25 PM
#246
The sizzle in the Steak
^^ Don't be a tool.
07-29-2009, 03:17 AM
#247
Race Director
http://www.reuters.com/article/earni...BrandChannel=0
The rest of the article pointed out that Honda not only had a profit last year but expects a profit this year also - despite a projection for a loss.
Honda has deliberately held back shipment of the Insight to the United States to meet robust orders in Japan where the model is more profitable at current exchange rates, making it difficult to gauge latent demand in North America.
03-24-2010, 10:39 PM
#248
Safety Car
#1
The American Automobile Association of America (AAA) has revealed its top picks in commuter vehicles, with an eyebrow-raising potluck of conveyances from which to choose. Judged on "practicality, safety, comfort, fuel efficiency and affordability" the Honda Insight comes in 1st, 1 of 3 Hondas in the Top 10. They are joined by the Ford Fusion at #2, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI at #3, and a Chevy, Mazda, Hyundai, and 2 Subarus to round it out.
The expanded list that includes vehicles that offer more than just commuting pleasure, namely the Chevy Corvette and Mercedes GL. Perhaps it isn't really surprising, but not a single Toyota appears on the list. You can read the entire rundown and the reasons in the presser after the jump, or check out the top picks in the gallery below.
The expanded list that includes vehicles that offer more than just commuting pleasure, namely the Chevy Corvette and Mercedes GL. Perhaps it isn't really surprising, but not a single Toyota appears on the list. You can read the entire rundown and the reasons in the presser after the jump, or check out the top picks in the gallery below.
04-02-2010, 05:25 PM
#251
I can see why the Prius is outselling this thing. Sat in one at the NY auto show. front was ok, sorta Civic sized. Rear was cramped. Im 5'8-5'9 (a tall 5'8) and my head was jammed up against the roofline. It's not that it's small, it's uncomfortable for backseat passengers. The Civic has more headroom in the rear and is more comfy back there.
09-19-2010, 01:15 PM
#252
Senior Moderator
http://communities.canada.com/drivin...n-detroit.aspx
Honda Canada invited some auto writers to a media roundtable the other night, looking for feedback on what the consumer is thinking.
While we emphasized the demand for technology that works as simply as the iPhone and iPad (and connects to them too) as well as more clean diesel engines, the more interesting news of the night was the confirmation the 2012 Honda Civic will be unveiled this fall at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Calling the new car "beautiful" and an evolution rather than revolution like the current model, Jerry Chenkin, Executive Vice President of Honda Canada, said he had driven the new Civic and that it would "set a new standard" for interior excellence. He said the new Civic will have "better numbers" all around, but wouldn't elaborate, saying only that the same body styles currently offered would continue.
The new Civic is a year late after Honda's new president Takanobu Ito took one look at what was to be the 2011 Civic and went "yeck." Chenkin said the car would likely be in showrooms by May 2011 as a 2012 model year car. As much as we tried for more info on the Civic, it wasn't coming, even after we plied Mr. Chenkin with red wine. He did admit under torturous questioning, however, that the 2010 Honda Insight hybrid was an "unmitigated disaster" because it was lacking the quality and value usually found in a Honda. That's frank talk from a car-company executive, but he is absolutely right. When was the last time you saw an Insight?
Exactly.
While we emphasized the demand for technology that works as simply as the iPhone and iPad (and connects to them too) as well as more clean diesel engines, the more interesting news of the night was the confirmation the 2012 Honda Civic will be unveiled this fall at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Calling the new car "beautiful" and an evolution rather than revolution like the current model, Jerry Chenkin, Executive Vice President of Honda Canada, said he had driven the new Civic and that it would "set a new standard" for interior excellence. He said the new Civic will have "better numbers" all around, but wouldn't elaborate, saying only that the same body styles currently offered would continue.
The new Civic is a year late after Honda's new president Takanobu Ito took one look at what was to be the 2011 Civic and went "yeck." Chenkin said the car would likely be in showrooms by May 2011 as a 2012 model year car. As much as we tried for more info on the Civic, it wasn't coming, even after we plied Mr. Chenkin with red wine. He did admit under torturous questioning, however, that the 2010 Honda Insight hybrid was an "unmitigated disaster" because it was lacking the quality and value usually found in a Honda. That's frank talk from a car-company executive, but he is absolutely right. When was the last time you saw an Insight?
Exactly.
09-19-2010, 01:32 PM
#253
Senior Moderator
DUH.............Took them this long to say that?
09-20-2010, 01:18 PM
#256
Senior Moderator
09-20-2010, 03:08 PM
#257
Do you think that the Insight story would have ended up differently if the LX had a MSRP of $16000-$16500 (US)? At this price point, it would have enjoyed a $6000+ price difference to the base Prius II. Also, the "cheapish" interior would have not been so offensive (for the money)
09-20-2010, 03:16 PM
#258
Senior Moderator
The interior of the Insight is offensive at any price point. Its unacceptable IMO. But that seems to be where Honda/Toyota interiors are headed these days. The new Civic doesn't look very promising either although its too early to say for sure.
And to prove that a budget car doesn't have to have a budget interior we have the Honda Fit.
09-20-2010, 06:00 PM
#259
Senior Moderator
IMO, and I understand my expectations are likely different than most customers buying at that price point.
The interior of the Insight is offensive at any price point. Its unacceptable IMO. But that seems to be where Honda/Toyota interiors are headed these days. The new Civic doesn't look very promising either although its too early to say for sure.
And to prove that a budget car doesn't have to have a budget interior we have the Honda Fit.
The interior of the Insight is offensive at any price point. Its unacceptable IMO. But that seems to be where Honda/Toyota interiors are headed these days. The new Civic doesn't look very promising either although its too early to say for sure.
And to prove that a budget car doesn't have to have a budget interior we have the Honda Fit.
09-20-2010, 07:38 PM
#260
Race Director
Do you think that the Insight story would have ended up differently if the LX had a MSRP of $16000-$16500 (US)? At this price point, it would have enjoyed a $6000+ price difference to the base Prius II. Also, the "cheapish" interior would have not been so offensive (for the money)
09-21-2010, 01:52 PM
#261
So maybe the choice Honda faced after the dollar dropped against the Yen was to sell it at 16K but lose money on every car they sell (to meet initial sales projections) or raise the price and accept the lowered demand?
09-21-2010, 02:06 PM
#262
The sizzle in the Steak
I knew dom would be in here pissing all over the Insight.I think he hates the Insight as much as he does Avery.
09-21-2010, 02:24 PM
#263
Senior Moderator
Considering the year, I can honestly say that it was the biggest POS I've ever driven. Still shocked that thing got approved for production. My 86 Plymouth Sundance was terrible, but it 1986.
10-29-2010, 05:57 PM
#264
Safety Car
Improvements
Honda has not yet given up in the entry-level hybrid fight. There's the new, not-for-U.S. Jazz (Fit) Hybrid, for one thing, but the older Insight hybrid isn't being left in the dust, either. Autocar reports that some of the lessons from the Jazz are being applied to the Insight – most importantly that the "stop" time of the Insight's stop-start cycle can now be up to 90 seconds long in Eco Mode.
Because of "obscure patenting reasons" that made the system assume a worst-case humidity situation, the previous limit was just 30 seconds. This change can save a lot of gas in city driving. There are no new mile-per-gallon numbers to tout just yet, and the change isn't likely to affect America's EPA figures (the government agency's test cycle doesn't recognize the benefits of start-stop), but it's a nice, green upgrade nonetheless.
Honda has also apparently adjusted spring rates and made changes to the rear camber angles, the V-shaped rear suspension brace and adjusting mounts for a "better driving experience," explains Autocar.
10-29-2010, 07:44 PM
#265
Senior Moderator
Boring. Nothing here to see STILL.
09-13-2011, 11:36 AM
#266
Safety Car
The Honda Insight is a hatchback with its spirit in the right place, but everything else about it has practically no spirit at all. Honda has finally seen to its lackluster hybrid by tweaking nearly everything about it. Its face has been given blue eyes courtesy of tinted headlight covers, and the grille and front spoiler benefit from a welcome sharpening. In back, a revised profile for the spoiler means improved visibility.
The Insight's sparse plastic interior is where TLC was most needed, and the loving comes via nicer seat fabric, "wood look paneling," and stitching that breaks up the synthetic expanses. There is also more room inside, and less noise.
Under the hood is the familiar 1.3-liter i-VTEC mated to an electric motor, but tweaks mean that it gets better gas mileage and now puts out just 96 grams of CO2 per kilometer when fitted with 15-inch wheels. You can find out all about the better, frugal-er Insight in the materials after the jump and the gallery of high-res photos.
REDUCED CO2 EMISSION OF ONLY 96 G/KM* FOR THE 2012 HONDA INSIGHT
The refreshed Honda Insight is launched at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor show. The Insight is now even more environmentally friendly producing just 96 g/km* of CO2. The Insight also receives a new exterior design including a new front grille. The features within the interior have been improved for a superior perceived quality with two new interior colours to choose from. Rear visibility has been improved and rear passenger headroom has been adjusted. Revisions have been made to the engine and suspension for an overall improvement to ride comfort and stability. 2 new exterior colours are available.
96 g/km* CO2 and improved Fuel Economy
The 2012 Insight will be available with either 15" or 16" wheels. In both cases the improvement on CO2 emissions is 5 g/km – which means that models with 15" wheels now boast CO2 emissions of only 96 g/km* and models with 16" wheels 100 g/km.
Fuel economy has been improved by means of improved aerodynamics and power train efficiency. Reduced engine friction and CVT efficiency together with improved air-conditioning benefiting from a new cold storage all contribute to a lower fuel consumption.
Exterior
The exterior design receives updates that help to emphasise the Insight's smart image with efficient and aerodynamic styling. The new model year includes a refreshed grille and bumper design and also modifications to the headlights.
The rear has had a similar design treatment applied with a new tail spoiler which helps to improve rear visibility. Details of the license plate garnish have been changed as well as the tail lights, where the indicator surround is blue to highlight its hybrid identity.
Interior
New interior features confirm the improved quality and comfort of the 2012 Insight. These include a new seat fabric and black wood look panelling. The rear space has been redesigned to allow for improved head clearance of 10mm. This has been achieved by adjusting the angle of the rear seat and re-shaping the headlining so that it is curved at the edges.
N/V Improvement
Driver and passenger comfort has been increased by means of reducing the intrusion of engine and road noise from the suspension and tyres into the cabin. The front lower suspension arms are now made from aluminium, rather than steel and also a new tyre development has reduced the noise within the cabin.
Visibility
Refinements to the rear design of the car which include a new slimmed tail spoiler allows for a wider rear glass area, an improved tail gate garnish and the wiper motor unit has been reduced in size meaning overall increased visibility at the rear.
Bespoke Hybrid Model
The Insight utilises the efficient, compact and proven 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine, combined with an electric motor. This engine and motor combination is shared with the new Jazz Hybrid and both models benefit from the ability to run on electric power alone under certain conditions.
The combination of an ultra-aerodynamic body and a parallel hybrid powertrain gives the Insight impressive environmental performance with low overall exhaust emissions, not just CO2 emissions of 96 g/km*. The Insight has been developed to offer excellent fuel economy and emissions all of the time, not just in official tests. The Eco Assist encourages and assists drivers in achieving good fuel economy every day with the coaching function and ECON button.
Recycling of Battery Packs
Importantly the Insight is manufactured in a plant where zero production waste ends up in landfill and a suite of energy saving techniques are used to reduce overall impact. At the end of the vehicle's life the Insight is designed to be highly recyclable and recoverable and the batteries can be easily recycled through any Honda dealer.
The refreshed Honda Insight is launched at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor show. The Insight is now even more environmentally friendly producing just 96 g/km* of CO2. The Insight also receives a new exterior design including a new front grille. The features within the interior have been improved for a superior perceived quality with two new interior colours to choose from. Rear visibility has been improved and rear passenger headroom has been adjusted. Revisions have been made to the engine and suspension for an overall improvement to ride comfort and stability. 2 new exterior colours are available.
96 g/km* CO2 and improved Fuel Economy
The 2012 Insight will be available with either 15" or 16" wheels. In both cases the improvement on CO2 emissions is 5 g/km – which means that models with 15" wheels now boast CO2 emissions of only 96 g/km* and models with 16" wheels 100 g/km.
Fuel economy has been improved by means of improved aerodynamics and power train efficiency. Reduced engine friction and CVT efficiency together with improved air-conditioning benefiting from a new cold storage all contribute to a lower fuel consumption.
Exterior
The exterior design receives updates that help to emphasise the Insight's smart image with efficient and aerodynamic styling. The new model year includes a refreshed grille and bumper design and also modifications to the headlights.
The rear has had a similar design treatment applied with a new tail spoiler which helps to improve rear visibility. Details of the license plate garnish have been changed as well as the tail lights, where the indicator surround is blue to highlight its hybrid identity.
Interior
New interior features confirm the improved quality and comfort of the 2012 Insight. These include a new seat fabric and black wood look panelling. The rear space has been redesigned to allow for improved head clearance of 10mm. This has been achieved by adjusting the angle of the rear seat and re-shaping the headlining so that it is curved at the edges.
N/V Improvement
Driver and passenger comfort has been increased by means of reducing the intrusion of engine and road noise from the suspension and tyres into the cabin. The front lower suspension arms are now made from aluminium, rather than steel and also a new tyre development has reduced the noise within the cabin.
Visibility
Refinements to the rear design of the car which include a new slimmed tail spoiler allows for a wider rear glass area, an improved tail gate garnish and the wiper motor unit has been reduced in size meaning overall increased visibility at the rear.
Bespoke Hybrid Model
The Insight utilises the efficient, compact and proven 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine, combined with an electric motor. This engine and motor combination is shared with the new Jazz Hybrid and both models benefit from the ability to run on electric power alone under certain conditions.
The combination of an ultra-aerodynamic body and a parallel hybrid powertrain gives the Insight impressive environmental performance with low overall exhaust emissions, not just CO2 emissions of 96 g/km*. The Insight has been developed to offer excellent fuel economy and emissions all of the time, not just in official tests. The Eco Assist encourages and assists drivers in achieving good fuel economy every day with the coaching function and ECON button.
Recycling of Battery Packs
Importantly the Insight is manufactured in a plant where zero production waste ends up in landfill and a suite of energy saving techniques are used to reduce overall impact. At the end of the vehicle's life the Insight is designed to be highly recyclable and recoverable and the batteries can be easily recycled through any Honda dealer.
09-13-2011, 02:20 PM
#268
The sizzle in the Steak
Lipstick on a pig.
Get a Fit or get the real-deal Hybrid: the Prius.
Get a Fit or get the real-deal Hybrid: the Prius.
09-13-2011, 03:01 PM
#269
Race Director
At the end of the vehicle's life (when the cost of the battery replacement is more than the value of the car) the (other wise prefectly well running) Insight is designed to be highly recyclable and recoverable and the batteries can be easily recycled through any Honda dealer.
10-17-2011, 08:18 PM
#272
Safety Car
USA 2day
Honda has made some updates to its 2012 Insight hybrid including a new front-end look, although it pretty much looks the same to us. Making the car more aerodynamic helps boost the gas mileages by 1 mpg.
Now, the Insight will get 41 mpg in the city, 44 on the highway for a combined, respectable 42 mpg. That's still well below the Prius' 50 mpg average, but the Insight has a lower starting price at $18,350 plus $770 shipping. The Prius starts at $23,520.
Though it suffers in comparison to the Prius, Drive On has always liked this mild-mannered model.
The grille was changed on the front, along with the front and rear bumpers and the headlights. The hubcaps are different, too, and there are slightly wider tires.
Inside, the back seat was changed to make for better legroom and now there is another half-inch of headroom. There are bigger cup holders.
The 2012 Insight is offered in 3 versions:
The base. This model comes with a 160-watt, 2-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, power windows, remote entry and more.
Insight LX. Now you'll get a 4-speaker audio system, USB audio interface, armrest console, floor mats and a security system. New for 2012, the LX has map lights and steering wheel audio controls. Price $20,125.
Insight EX. The top-of-the-line adds alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an audio system with 6 speakers, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and much more. For 2012, the EX gains a Bluetooth hands free phone system, automatic headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Price: $21,815.
Insight LX. Now you'll get a 4-speaker audio system, USB audio interface, armrest console, floor mats and a security system. New for 2012, the LX has map lights and steering wheel audio controls. Price $20,125.
Insight EX. The top-of-the-line adds alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an audio system with 6 speakers, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and much more. For 2012, the EX gains a Bluetooth hands free phone system, automatic headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Price: $21,815.
10-18-2011, 09:17 AM
#274
Senior Moderator
Apparently it has much needed interior improvements as well. The Insight I test drove (because a family member had it as a loaner) had the worst interior I've ever been in, period.
And I agree, I would'nt expect any sort of sales increase. Too little too late for the Insight unfortunately.
And I agree, I would'nt expect any sort of sales increase. Too little too late for the Insight unfortunately.
10-18-2011, 09:31 AM
#275
10-18-2011, 11:30 AM
#276
The sizzle in the Steak
Still a Half-ass Hybrid.
Honda: Build a real Prius fighter or go home.
Honda: Build a real Prius fighter or go home.
10-18-2011, 02:09 PM
#277
The sizzle in the Steak
and just in time for the Prius C to arrive...which will have an even better MPG than the current Prius.
10-18-2011, 02:39 PM
#279
Toyota has shown a willingness to sell below cost (allegedly) to gain market share. They do have pretty deep pockets though. Personally, I don't really like the styling of the "C", as I typically prefer the sleeker looks of a fastback design vs. the wagon(ish) looks of this model.
10-18-2011, 02:47 PM
#280
Senior Moderator
That was just a little jab at 80Honda. 
Toyota's done whatever they had to to make the Prius a success. The fact that they're now expanding the Prius line with vehicles all made in Japan (correct me if I'm wrong) I think proves they're making a profit, even with the exchange rate what it is.
Toyota's done whatever they had to to make the Prius a success. The fact that they're now expanding the Prius line with vehicles all made in Japan (correct me if I'm wrong) I think proves they're making a profit, even with the exchange rate what it is.