When you think “fuel efficient” you probably don’t always think of a Honda model. Yet their cars are consistently the best-in-class for fuel efficiency, no matter the segment. The Fit, Accord, Pilot, CR-V, and even the Civic are all at the top of the MPG charts for their respective classes. This seems to be making Honda’s management wonder why they’re doing so many alternative fuel options that, frankly, aren’t selling well.
So they’re giving the only factory-made natural gas-powered car on the market the boot. That’s right, the Honda Civic CNG is getting its pink slip as Honda turns towards hydrogen fuel cells and dual-motor hybrids.
The good news for the Civic CNG is that it’s not alone in these alternative fuel layoffs at Honda. They’re also sending their single-motor hybrids (think Insight) to the curb and the plug-in hybrid Accord is being sent to the unemployment line as well. We can’t be sure, as it wasn’t included in the announcement, but the apparently shelved Fit EV is also likely to get the axe.
Instead, if reports are correct and if we can take Honda VP John Mendel at his word when he spoke at the Detroit Auto Show in January, Honda plans to focus on fuel cells and “diversifying” its hybrid offerings throughout the line. Although it was clear that it would be two or three model years before much of anything new is announced in that regard.
So sayonara to the Honda Civic CNG, Accord plug-in, and single-motor hybrids.
