Honda launch sales push

Honda’s president says the Japanese automaker will sell a new, improved and affordable gas-electric hybrid in the US, Japan and Europe starting in early 2009.

President Takeo Fukui told reporters today that green cars, especially hybrids, will be a pillar of Honda Motor Co.’s strategy for the next three years, starting this fiscal year that began April 1.

He did not say what the price of the vehicle would be.

But he said the new hybrid will be a five-door sedan seating five passengers, and feature new technology that reduced the size and weight of the hybrid system and increased fuel efficiency.