Honda to Launch a Hybrid Only Model in 2009

Honda CEO Takeo Fukui says that the automaker has just gotten started in the battle of hybrid vehicles.

The company now can see that it miscalculated a bit with the launch of its Civic hybrid, instead of developing a hybrid-only (like the CR-Z concept seen above) model like Toyota’s Prius. Fukui said that Honda would start battling back in earnest starting in 2009, with a true Prius-fighter of its own. It would seem that Honda now understands the need for its hybrid offering to look distinctly the part, in addition to functioning well.

Said Fukui, “Until now, it has been an image-based competition, not a business-based competition.”

(Click through the jump to read more about Honda’s future hybrid or on the thumbnails below to look at the Honda CR-Z hybrid concept car from the Tokyo Motor Show.)

Along with forging a new image for its hybrid, Honda also plans to take the fight to Toyota by lowering the starting price. While no concrete number has been given, Honda would like the new model to ring up for less than the $23,235 the current Civic hybrid costs. With new Priuses selling for just over $20K, there’s a pretty tight financial space for Honda to work in.

The automaker has also said that the car will have a lighter hybrid motor system, further aiding the cause of fuel economy.

Can Honda catch up to the popular Prius with a stand-alone hybrid of its own? Share your thoughts in comments.

+ Automotive News: Honda: Hybrid war has just begun (subscription may be required)