Honda to Halt Sales of Insight and CR-Z in Europe
In 1999 Honda introduced the Insight, the first mass-market hybrid to hit Europe, but now 16 years later, the Japanese automaker will stop offering the Insight and CR-Z Hybrid in Europe due to declining sales.
After selling just 1,242 Insights and only 695 CR-Zs last year, Honda will sell off the remaining stock of its quirky hybrids and rinse its hands of its sales snafu in Europe. The last remaining hybrid is the current generation Honda Fit (known as the Jazz) overseas, but there is no firm decision on if the updated 2015 model will be offered with a hybrid powerplant.
It seems like Honda is seeing success in Europe with its diesel powered vehicles. The brand recently filled in some gaping holes in its European lineup by sticking a 1.6-liter diesel in the Civic and CR-V, helping make its bread-and-butter offerings a bit more appealing to buyers.
However, Honda’s hybrid woes contrast the success that Toyota is seeing with its hybrid sales in Europe, which increased last year.
[Source: AutoNews Europe]
Discuss this story at our CRZ Forum
Sami has an unquenchable thirst for car knowledge and has been at AutoGuide for the past six years. He has a degree in journalism and media studies from the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto and has won multiple journalism awards from the Automotive Journalist Association of Canada. Sami is also on the jury for the World Car Awards.
More by Sami Haj-Assaad
Comments
Join the conversation
Poor marketing has ruined this lovely little car. I love my CR-Z, it is a head turner and fab to drive.
Damn Honda, bring the diesels HERE. I don't want to drive a joyless, soulless hybrid with a CVT. Where is my diesel CR-V with a manual transmission? I'm a huge Honda fan, but I'll be buying a Mazda CX-5 because at least they offer a manual transmission. I'd happily buy a CR-V if you gave it a manual option or a diesel engine. If you gave it both, I'd put myself in debt to buy one immediately. The CR-Z is interesting and has a manual, which is great, but I can't live with a tiny two seater. Enough with the dreary hybrids. Give us some diesels and tighten that CR-V up a bit and give it a manual transmission option again. Mazda is kicking your butt when it comes to sporty handling. EVERY Honda used to have sporty handling. Get back to your roots.