Honda Rolls Out Insight; Hopes To Sell 4,000 Of Hybrid Car

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. is now selling its new Insight vehicle in California. The Insight is the first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle available in America. The company says the Insight will get up to 70 mpg -- the world's best fuel economy for a gasoline automobile. The Insight will be able to travel 600 to 700 miles on a single tank of gas. Unlike a dedicated electric vehicle, Insight does not use an outside source of power. The electric motor draws power from an advanced nickel-metal hydride battery pack to boost engine performance and acts as a generator during deceleration and braking to recharge the vehicle's batteries. The Insight's engine uses advanced lean-burn technology, low-friction design, and lightweight materials such as aluminum, magnesium, and plastic. Honda hopes to sell 4,000 Insight vehicles by year-end. The company is pricing the Insight at less than $20,000.