Hybrid engines have been made using rare-earth metals but, as these metals are expected to increase in demand considerably every year, our favorite Japanese automaker knew they had to cut their reliance on them somehow. Their experts got to work and Honda has no announced that one of their upcoming hybrid vehicles will use different materials, all for the better.
This material is called neodymium and it's both less expensive and it's much lighter, lowing production costs and resulting in a hybrid engine that weighs much less for increased efficiency. The vehicle they're using these new engines in is the Honda Freed hybrid minivan, set to be released later this year in Japan. We don't have word on a western release but keep an eye on our blog and we'll let you know when details arise.
If you're more interested in what we have to offer in our current selection of new Honda models, come on down to our Concord, CA dealership at your earliest convenience. We'll give you the full tour and see that you leave satisfied no matter what automotive decision you make.
