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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Japanese_Flag_30x22.jpg First time a hybrid vehicle is the best selling vehicle in all of Japan. (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=207102)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/615/2010_Honda_Insight_Headline_pic.jpgWayne Gerdes – CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) – May 11, 2009

2010 Honda Insight-II costs < 2,000,000 Yen and selling briskly in its home country.

Tokyo, Japan -- Honda announced that 2010 Honda Insight-II ranked as the industry's best-selling car among new vehicle registrations* in Japan for the month of April 2009, with sales of 10,481 units (source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association). It is the first time in history for a hybrid model to be the industry's best selling vehicle in Japan for any monthly sales period.

The Honda Fit was the industry’s best-selling car among new vehicle registrations in Japan for calendar year 2008 and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009. The Fit was also the industry’s best-selling car for the month of March 2009, for the fourth consecutive month since December 2008, until it was displaced by Insight to become the industry’s second best-selling car in April 2009, with sales of 9,443 units. It is the first time Honda has occupied the industry’s top two best-selling car positions.

Since its introduction on February 6, 2009, the all-new Insight has been very well received by a wide range of customers due to its excellent environmental performance, easy-to-use packaging, light and comfortable driving and affordable pricing.

* Excludes mini-vehicles (Kei cars) under 660cc

Sales of the 2010 Honda Insight began on February 6, 2009
Month|Total Sales|Monthly ranking of all-new vehicles within Japan
Feb. 2009|4,906|10th
Mar. 2009|4,088|21st
Apr. 2009|10,481|1st

that's really good to see. they actually have one on the showroom floor of our local honda dealer. i saw it when i went in to get my tail light replaced.

i sat in the thing for a while, and of course a salesman slithered over and started his spiel. i told him i already had an 05 HCH, and he of course suggested i upgrade. i think he was surprised that i mentioned the lack of a 5 speed, and how much knowledge i actually did have about hybrids.

i should have driven it, but i was on my way to an errand and didn't have time.

It really bugs me to see and hear how women get treated by automotive related companies. I'm glad you were able to knock that saleman down a peg. :)

It really bugs me to see and hear how women get treated by automotive related companies. I'm glad you were able to knock that saleman down a peg. :)
It must really bug the hell out of them when I purchase parts in their parts department so I can replace them myself instead of having the service department do it.

My salesman saw me looking over a couple of Insights in their lot about a week ago. He came over to ask if I wanted to take a test drive. I declined because I can't afford a new car right now, and I don't think it's fair to "tease" them by randomly taking drives in their cars if I have no intention of buying. But maybe next time I have to go in for service I will agree to take a spin in one, just to see what it feels like. For now though, the HCH I is good enough for me.

That's good news for Honda that the Insight is selling so well in Japan. I wonder about the item with the asterisk* ...I wonder how many of those mini cars sell there?

That's good news for Honda that the Insight is selling so well in Japan. I wonder about the item with the asterisk* ...I wonder how many of those mini cars sell there?

Including the kei ("light weight" <660cc) vehicles, 1st was the Suzuki Wagon R with 12,926, 2nd Daihatsu Move 12,591, Daihatsu Tanto 12,444 with the Honda Insight2 at 4th.
Generally kei vehicles capture 30-35% of the market.

There are two different automobile federations reporting sales for the kei and normal automobiles which is why they appear separate.

Good Luck
Andrew