Honda will begin sales of a new compact minivan, named the Freed, in Japan on May 30, 2008. This new model fuses an easy-to-use and spacious cabin with stylish design.Honda developed Minivan Freed with the goal of creating a minivan that is comfortable and easy-to-use for every passenger and that offers new value by enabling customers to fully and freely utilize this vehicle in activities that meet individual lifestyles ranging from daily transportation to leisure time trips.

Three different versions are offered: the first seven-passenger vehicle in its class featuring captain’s seats in the second row; the first eight-passenger vehicle in its class; and a five-passenger type which offers a large, best-in-class cargo space. With the addition of these mobility assistive models, Honda positions Freed as a vehicle which fulfills the diverse needs of a wide range of customers

This five-door hybrid hatchback, built on an all new platform, has not been given an official name yet which will be announced later in the year along with full product details.

Following in the new hybrid’s footsteps will be a hybrid based on the CR-Z concept and the Honda Fit Hybrid. Currently Honda only offers the Honda Civic Hybrid to this ever increasing market of (more) environmentally conscious consumers.

The new unnamed and very affordable small gasoline/electric hybrid is expected to reach global sales of 200,000 units per year, of which 100,000 will be allocated to North America. All in all Honda hopes to sell 500,000 hybrid powered vehicles per year globally.

The new hybrid will be build at Honda’s Suzuka factory in Japan where a second production line will be opened and many improvements will be made to the factory to raise output from 70,000 to 250,000 vehicles annually with room for growth.

Honda’s Indian arm, “Honda Siel Cars India Ltd” has revealed its plans to develop an all-new mini car in order to grasp a larger chuck of India’s booming small car segment which accounts for about 80 percent of the total market. “We plan to enter the small car market with a vehicle that will be manufactured at our new unit coming up in Rajasthan in two years time,” Honda Siel Cars India’s President and CEO, Masahiro Takedagawa told reporters earlier this week. 

Honda Korea unveiled its ‘New Legend’ during BIMOS 2008, which is powered by 3.7-liter V6 VTEC engine with 307 horsepower.It is expected to be released in Korea market in the end of June.