Honda’s half-hearted approach to hybrids is about to be shaken up, possibly leading to the development of a hybrid system that goes beyond Honda’s traditional integrated motor assist (IMA) system. Automotive News [sub] reports that Honda CEO, Takanobu Ito has told his Research and Development staff to develop a hybrid which beats the Toyota Prius

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Honda Fights Back For Hybrid Relevance

Not so long ago, Honda was cranking out press release after press release, talking up the 2010 Honda Insight and predicting that it would trample the revamped 2010 Toyota Prius. The Insight was priced aggressively (starting at just under $20,000), and based on booming demand in other parts of the world, Honda set a sales goal of 90,000 units ..

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Back To The Drawing Board: Honda Revamps Insight Campaign

Automotive brands are losing an average of 12 percent of their buyers to competitors due simply to “poor customer treatment” at the dealership. If you’ve ever walked away from a dealership while new-car shopping due to icky sales tactics, you probably don’t find that surprising, but it’s one of many insightful findings from J.D Power and ..

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Sales Lost To Dealer Tactics: J.D. Power Puts Numbers On It

Businessinsider.com recently sat down with Volkswagen of America’s COO, Mark Barnes, to discuss the rebirth of diesel in America. This interview covers everything from Volkswagen’s feelings about Cash For Clunkers to the amazing penetration of the Jetta SportWagen TDI clean diesel. It’s a unique perspective that provides significant insight into where Volkswagen of America is headed, as well as what type of role clean diesel technology will play in Volkswagen’s future. Related Links: TDI Truth TDI Dare See all TDI vehicles Learn more about the Jetta SportWagen TDI Clean Diesel 101 TDI News Learn more about Volkswagens and TDI SOURCE: http://www.businessinsider.com/volkswagen-preps-for-a-diesel-revolution-2009-10

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Businessinsider.com: Volkswagen Preps for a Diesel Revolution

All you really need to know about this PopularScience.com article about the new VW Golf TDI clean diesel is that it kicks off on the famous Autobahn near Volkswagen’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany. After all, where else could you legally take the Golf TDI model for a 125 mph test drive? The defense rests. Related Links: TDI Truth TDI Dare See all TDI vehicles Learn more about the Golf TDI Clean Diesel 101 Learn more about Volkswagens and TDI SOURCE: http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2009-10/test-drive-2010-volkswagen-golf-tdi

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PopularScience.com: Test Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

The third-generation Toyota Prius hybrid just squeaked past the Honda Insight to be voted Japan’s Car of the Year this week at the Tokyo Motor Show.

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Toyota Prius Wins Car of the Year Award in Japan

The 2010 Toyota Prius is again the most fuel-efficient performer in the U.S. market, at 50 mpg Combined, while runners-up include the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid (42 mpg), Honda Insight (41), Ford Fusion Hybrid (39), and Mercury Milan Hybrid (39). That’s the official word from the 2010 EPA Fuel Economy Guide information, which was released this ..

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For 2010, Toyota Prius Again Tops EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

While Toyota and Honda have laid claim on most of the lofty fuel economy figures in the 40-mpg and above range in recent years, Ford now has serious bragging rights in its 2010 Fusion Hybrid. The 2010 Fusion Hybrid slots closely behind the 2010 Toyota Prius and 2010 Honda Insight and Civic Hybrid in Combined miles per gallon and actually ..

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2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: Honest-To-Goodness 40-MPG Mid-Sizer

Packing up the vehicle for a holiday weekend away? It might be one of the more pleasant times to be out on the crowded highways, relative to recent years. Overall holiday traffic will likely be down a bit this year versus last. But based on research from the American Automobile Association (AAA) and IHS Global Insight, that’s likely to be less ..

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Late Labor Day Could Mean Fewer Travel Traffic Headaches

In June TheCarConnection got behind the wheel of the 2010 Kia Forte, which shares all of its powertrain options and most of the features and equipment available with the 2010 Kia Forte KOUP, its two-door model mate. But until today, pricing on the KOUP has been held back, waiting for the cars to arrive in dealerships. Well, the cars are ..

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2010 Kia Forte KOUP Priced From $16,595