Honda Malaysia aims to sell 10,000 hybrids in 2012

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd is confident that it can sell 10,000 cars from its hybrid series this year on the back of encouraging demand.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Yoichiro Ueno said the aim was to sell more than 3,000 units each of the Insight, CR-Z as well as the Jazz Hybrid -- the latest addition to the family of Honda hybrid cars.

Speaking to reporters at the launch of the all-new Jazz Hybrid here, he said Honda Malaysia sold 8,400 units of hybrid models last year, and Insight became the best selling hybrid model with 4,568 units sold.

He said the Insight, which represented 54 per cent share of the segment, was renewed in February with enhanced look and better mileage.

"The strong market acceptance of the Honda hybrid cars was also experienced with the new CR-Z," he said, adding that the company had received close to 1,000 bookings since it was launched last November.

Honda Malaysia is currently leading the hybrid market share in the country at 55 per cent.

The all-new Jazz Hybrid, an eco-friendly and practical compact five-door, was targeted at eco-conscious individuals who are interested in a compact hybrid that caters to their fun driving and active lifestyle, Ueno said.

The car, with an on-the-road price tag of RM94,800, is also targeted at independent young professionals who recognise the value of advanced technologies packaged in a clean design.

It also comes with a five-year or 140,000 kilometre warranty for Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery which is the same with the Insight and CR-Z and is the longest among the industry. -- Bernama