Honda Civic Hybrid/CNG and Accord plug-in axed for ’16

In a restructuring of its two most popular vehicle lines, Honda will drop the Civic Hybrid and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) models along with the Accord Plug-In Hybrid at the end of the 2015 model year. John Mendel, Executive Vice President, Automobile Division of American Honda Motor Co., noted the changes to the Civic lineup are driven by a model changeover and fuel economy gains using the latest versions of its conventional technologies. He pointed out the two new Earth Dreams VTEC engines slated for the next gen 2016 Civic — including its first-ever turbo — are targeting class-leading mileage with EPA highway fuel economy in excess of 40 miles per gallon.

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In the case of the Accord, Mendel pointed out that in early 2016, the next Accord Hybrid will introduce a new 2-motor setup that promises to improve both economy and performance of this greener variant — which is already the country’s most fuel-efficient 5-passenger sedan. He intimated that enhancements to the production methods for these supplemental motors should further bolster the vehicle’s popularity, although no word if it will also help lower the car’s sticker price. 

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With respect to the future, Mendel confirmed the arrival of the Honda FCV fuel cell vehicle in 2016 will be followed by the introduction of an all-new battery-electric model and an all-new plug-in hybrid by 2018. In addition to developing "an entire new generation of electrified vehicles that will continue our leadership," Honda also is working on a new strain of three-motor hybrids. "We remain committed to our vision for more sustainable mobility," he adds, "and we are excited to be introducing a fantastic lineup of products that are more fun and more fuel efficient than ever before."

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