Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - Dual CR-Z press releases detail release info for Europe and Japan, also some Fit Hybrid info

First up we have the European release, which reveals that the CR-Z will go on sale in Japan in February 2010. It fails to mention the onsale date in Europe but says that date will be released "towards the end of 2009". We've asked and don't expect to be hearing any similar releases from American Honda today.

Honda's New CEO Confirms Production CR-Z hybrid
Honda's new CEO, Takanobu Ito has today announced plans to begin sales in Japan of the CR-Z sports hybrid model in February 2010. The start date for EU sales of the new hybrid coupe will be released towards the end of 2009.

By combining this new model with the currently available Insight and Civic Hybrid, Honda will further enhance its lineup of compact hybrid models, which highlight the unique characteristics of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), including compact size, lightweight and high efficiency. The IMA system will also be integrated into the award winning Honda Jazz within the next few years. In addition, Honda is currently developing a new hybrid system which is intended to be suitable for installation in mid-to-large vehicles.

Honda also announced that another production line at its Suzuka Factory, is now producing Insight in mid-June 2009, leveraging Honda's flexible production system. This extra capacity on line No. 3 has been opened up to cope with the high level of demand from Japan where demand for the new Insight has exceeded all expectations.

Ito has succeeded Takeo Fukui as CEO of Honda, having been until recently the President of Honda's R&D operation. Like his predecessor Fukui, Ito has a background as an engineer and was instrumental in bringing the revolutionary NSX from concept to reality. Ito was in charge of one of the most challenging development areas as the Project Leader for the mid-engined car's ground breaking aluminium unibody construction.

In order to continue contributing to the global effort to reduce CO2 emissions, Honda will continue to focus on research and development of technologies which improve fuel-efficiency and strive to deliver products with improved environmental performance to as many customers as possible by making such products more accessible to all people.

Next up, we have the following press release issued directly from Honda headquarters in Tokyo. This one affirms the February 2010 on-sale date of the CR-Z in Japan, but also reveals that the Fit Hybrid will go on sale "before the end of 2010".

Honda to Begin Sales of Two More Hybrid Models in 2010
TOKYO, Japan, July 13, 2009 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced plans to begin sales in Japan of the CR-Z sporty hybrid model in February 2010 and Fit Hybrid before the end of 2010. By combining these two models with the currently available Insight and Civic Hybrid, Honda will further enhance its lineup of compact hybrid models, which leverage the unique characteristics of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), including compact size, lightweight and high efficiency. In addition, Honda is currently developing a new hybrid system which is intended to be installed on mid- to large-size vehicles.

Honda also announced that, in addition to the No. 1 line at its Suzuka Factory, the production of Insight also began on Suzuka's No. 3 line in mid-June 2009, leveraging Honda's flexible production system.

In order to continue contributing to the global effort to reduce CO2 emissions, Honda will continue to focus on research and development of technologies which improve fuel-efficiency and strive to deliver products with improved environmental performance to as many customers as possible by making such products more accessible to all people.

CR-Z Concept
The CR-Z concept vehicle made its world debut at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. The CR-Z sporty hybrid will feature advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle's environmental footprint.

UPDATE: I contacted Honda spokesman Chuck Schifsky regarding the US plans for the CR-Z and Fit Hybrid, and this is what he had to say:

We are planning to begin sales of the CR-Z sporty hybrid in February 2010 in Japan. However, we are not ready to announce plans for sales in all regions. But, we can confirm that the CR-Z will go on sale in the US in 2010. More details will be announced later.

Regarding the Fit hybrid, At this moment, we are not ready to announce any plans for the sale of Fit Hybrid in regions outside of Japan.