Honda Insight tops hybrid sales in Europe
June 19, 2009 by David Twomey
Honda has today announced that its new Insight hybrid vehicle has sold more than any other hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle in Europe, using figures that take in sales in Turkey, Russia and Israel.
Honda says the figures, obtained from Jato Dynamics, show that in its first full month of sales the Insight proved to be the most popular petrol-electric hybrid vehicle on the market.
This achievement follows on from the success of the Insight in Japan where in April it was the first hybrid ever to be the number one selling passenger car.
Third place in the table went to Honda’s Civic Hybrid, which like the Insight is also a fuel efficient, low emission, full-parallel hybrid.
The Civic Hybrid is Australia’s most affordable hybrid. Both cars can run on the electric motor alone in some medium- to high-speed conditions, giving near silent running and fuel efficiency benefits.
The Insight is currently being introduced across Europe, joining the Civic Hybrid in Honda’s petrol-electric range. Honda Motor Europe, Senior Vice President, Ken Keir is delighted that the Insight has been so well received.
He commented: “We introduced Europe to hybrids almost 10 years ago when we put the original Insight on sale. The Insight was the first hybrid to be sold in Europe and this sector is set to continue to expand and diversify.”
Honda says the hybrid sector and alternative fuels sector, which features any passenger car not powered solely by petrol or diesel is set to grow further in the near future.
It says that in the future Honda will produce a hybrid version of the Jazz and a production car based on the CR-Z Concept, giving the consumer a wider choice of Honda hybrid models.
Print it: 
How do the sales figures compare to those of the small capacity diesels?
I bet a 307 Touring with a 1.6 HDI outsells the insight comfortably.
I would like to see a series hybrid using a sub-1 litre diesel just to charge the batteries. That way the diesel can be run at its most efficient.
Why Honda’s hybrid car is in a toyota prius’ shape? Lol?
Usually in terms of exterior design, Honda is better than toyota.
Any news on when will the Insight arrive in Australia?
Also any word on the pricing?
Will the Jazz hybrid use a smaller engine than the current 1.3L Petrol + Battery combo?
@ChineseDriver – thats coz this is the most aerodynamic…. in order to create a low drag coieficient…
“Honda has today announced that its new Insight hybrid vehicle has sold more than any other hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle in Europe, using figures that take in sales in Turkey, Russia and Israel”
So there’s only those three countries in Europe then?
Wouldn’t that be a bit like claiming that Falcon is Australia’s top seller because of figures from Victoria?
Why no diesel hybrid? Europeans live on a diet of diesel fuel and so will Australians. You would get a smaller engine in diesel to do the same job in a hybrid with better economy and it’s cheaper to run.
ChineseDriver, you do know that the car is that shape for improved aerodynamics therefore reducing drag?
I think the Insight is actually a good looking car. I\’m not saying the Prius is bad looking, but its just so bland. I don\’t mind the actual body shape, it is simply not pretty. Now I\’m not sure if the face of the Prius is a result of wind tunnels but the Insight does fair much better. Nicer wheels too. And all this for cheaper, what more could you ask for?
Okay a better drive I guess. But its a good price regardless. Well done Honda.
Last time I checked Russia, Israel and Turkey are in Asia.
Absi, Steve-Poyza,
Thank you very much, I didn’t know the shape was designed for aerodynamics.
G6ETURBO – check closer. Part of Russia and Turkey IS in Europe
Would be interesting to see how the sales numbers stack up to Econetic and Bluemotion sales………. (not knocking the effort because anytime anyone can beat the Big T in mass market hysteria marketing is a good time for me ;-))
Kudos to Honda Insight! Honda does produce excellent cars and this is definitely one of it. Being a fuel economy car, many would buy this car. Not that surprising it would top sales.
Umm just a question CA, how many Hybrid, EV’s and alternative fuel cars were sold? Just trying to get some perspective :-)