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Honda Insight Hybrid Shooting For Sub-$20,000 Price Tag

by Darren

The new Honda Insight hybrid might sell for under $20,000, if Honda can get all the details just right. Right now that might be difficult due to the fact the Insight is produced in Japan and the Yen is currently so strong.

Honda plans to start selling the vehicle in the U.S. in April of this year.

One solution to make the car more affordable to produce would be to move production to America. Honda President Takeo Fukui said the company would do just that if sales volume in the States exceeds 100,000 units per year.

If Honda can keep the price around $20,000, it would still offer at least a 10% advantage against the popular Toyota Prius. With consumers being so price-conscious these days, that could be the difference between making a sale or not.

The Insight has already gone on sale in the Japanese market this week.

The Honda Insight is also expected to be the star of this year’s 2009 Melbourne Motor Show, which takes place from February 27th to March 9th.

“After pioneering hybrid motoring in Australia with the original Insight in 2000 and following this with two generations of Civic Hybrid, we are looking forward to showcasing our latest innovation in hybrid technology with the second generation Insight,” said Lindsay Smalley, Honda Australia’s Senior Director.

“This is one part of our vision to offer more hybrid motoring options to the Australian public,” Mr. Smalley said.