Honda introduced the Insight two-seat compact in December 1999 as America’s firsthybrid-electric vehicle. It is hard to believe that it was almost nine years ago when one wasdelivered to my office before a lunch meeting downtown Dallas. The car looked like a GM EV1 meltedwith a spaceship. When I pulled up at the valet stand, the gentleman dropped his jaw and nearlydislodged his gum. It was a vision of the future. So is the second Insight, due to be unveiled inParis during October.

“The original Honda Insight pioneered hybrid technology in the U.S. and remains a symbol ofHonda’s commitment to innovative technology and fuel efficiency,” said Takeo Fukui, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. CEO. “This new Insight will break new ground as an affordable hybrid within the reach ofcustomers who want great fuel economy and great value.”

What the first Insight, nor the two generations of excellent Honda Civic Hybrids after it, wasable to do was offer the convenience of a four-door sedan and the futuristic styling that conveystechnology the same way Toyota’s Prius has. Like the Prius, the new Insight will grow to mid-sizeand open up with five doors. It will have class-leading fuel economy and performance. Sales areexpected to top 200,000 globally, with half coming from the U.S. market.

Honda will not stop its technology march with the Insight. Soon after it launches, the Japaneseautomaker will introduce a sporty hybrid, based on the CR-Z Concept from the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.It has also become the first automaker to offer a fuel cell-powered vehicle – the Clarity – thatwas designed from the start to run on hydrogen. It is being test marketed in California, mostly tohigh-profile Hollywood types, but its future is bright. Altogether, Honda expects to sellapproximately 500,000 hybrids per year, or about 10 percent of its annual output.

History has shown the original Honda Insight allowed Toyota to take the lead in hybrid sales,but it was the first vehicle to break the 70-MPG barrier and set the standard for technology whenAmericans were firmly enthralled with their gas-thirsty full-size SUVs. Selling it as a two-seaterwas probably not the best choice. Honda will not make that mistake again.