The all-new Honda Insight, hit the streets of America today with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $19,800 for the Insight Hybrid LX, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.The distinctively styled, five-passenger, five-door dedicated hybrid vehicle is powered by an Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA™) system comprised of a 1.3-liter i-VTEC® gasoline engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor that together contribute to an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy rating of 40/43 miles per gallon2. The Insight features the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist™), an innovation that can further enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback related to individual driving styles.

February 2009 US hybrid car sales totalled 16,019 units, up 3.6 percent on the January figure of 15,441 units. When compared to the same period for 2008 hybrid car sales are down almost 30 percent.

TMS posted February 2009 sales of 11,814 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division recorded sales of 10,268 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division reported February sales of 1,546 hybrids.The February 2009 figure shows a decrease of 35% over the figure of 18,289 units for the same period in 2008. However with sales of “non hybrids” generally down almost 60% the hybrid market appears to be performing well in relevant terms.

The ADAC (German Automobile Association) has awarded its “Gelber Engel 2009” (Yellow Angel) to Daimler AG and its systems partner Continental in the Innovation & Environment category. The Stuttgart carmaker was selected for the award by Europe’s largest automobile club in recognition of its lithium-ion battery, the first such battery ever to be successfully integrated into a production passenger car. The Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHYBRID featuring this pioneering technology will have its market launch in summer 2009.