Green rental option

Osamu Iwaisako - Marketing Manager Automobiles (middle) and Graham Eagle - Sales and Marketing Director Honda Motor Southern Africa (right) handing over the Honda Hybrid to Corne Langenhoven, Executive – Operations, Avis Rent a Car.

"Hybrid motor technology, which generally uses a combination of petrol and electric motors, is all about introducing an element of electric engine propulsion," explains chief executive, Wayne Duvenage.

Not only is the vehicle itself environmentally friendly, but it is manufactured in the environmentally responsible Suzuka factory, which is surrounded by 100 000 Honda-planted trees that absorb 800 tons of CO2 per year. The factory roof also features an extensive array of electricity-generating Honda Solec solar panels to reduce grid electricity demands and decrease the carbon footprint.

"Electric motor technology is evolving more rapidly and will become more suitable, efficient and affordable every year. We look forward to the future electric-powered car, whose energy will be derived from solar cells on the port roof which will charge the motor overnight or while it is parked at the office," he concludes.