Owners of the gas-electric powered Honda Civic Hybrid can now apply for Clean Air Vehicle stickers that give the driver access to California's High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. All 2004 and older model year Civic and Insight hybrids will qualify for this incentive, as well as 2005 and newer Civic hybrids with AT-PZEV emission certification. The Civic Hybrid and Insight join the natural gas-powered Civic GX and hydrogen-powered FCX as Honda vehicles with single-occupant HOV lane access.

The Civic Hybrid and Insight are powered by Honda's innovative Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid technology. The IMA system employs an ultra-compact electric motor/generator to provide supplemental power to the engine using energy captured during deceleration or braking.

The system also provides an Idle-Stop function that temporarily shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped at an intersection or in traffic for further gains in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

2005 Civic Hybrids sold in California that qualify as Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions (AT-PZEV) vehicles achieve an EPA fuel economy rating of 45 city/51highway with manual transmission and 47/48 with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Prices for the 2005 Civic Hybrid with AT-PZEV emissions range from $20,050 for versions with a manual transmission to $21,050 for CVT-equipped models.

Honda first introduced U.S. consumers to hybrid technology with the Insight in December 1999. It launched its second hybrid vehicle, the Civic Hybrid, in March 2002, followed by the first-ever V6-powered hybrid, the Accord Hybrid, in December 2004. The company will introduce an all-new version of its popular Civic Hybrid this fall featuring an advanced new look, class leading features and enhanced performance.