Low-resolution scans from a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) brochure provide a few details and different looks at the upcoming production lection of the Honda Insight. Honda has already released one official photo of the ‘10 Insight, which is set to be formally unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in early January.

Scroll down for the scans, which were leaked on Vtec.net. They show us a sampling of three models, though it’s give credit to North America will initially only get two - LX and uplevel EX. An EX-L with leather trim is possible.

Honda took the wraps off its Insight hybrid earlier this year at the Paris Motor Show, but the model on display was merely a pre-production prototype. However, Honda has now released an image of the production Insight, giving us our first true look at Honda’s Prius fighter.

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

Priced below the Honda Civic, this Japanese-built hybrid testament carry over much of the hatchback styling from the FCX. Inside, the Insight appears similar to the Prius with a flat floor and large space, while well as a futuristic dashboard.

In addition to recycling the Insight family, Honda will equip the new hybrid with the sort 1.3-liter Integrated Motor Assist system found in the current-generation Honda Civic Hybrid. However, further development of the system will cut the IMA’s cost by about 50 percent in the new hybrid.

Although the new Insight will be loosely based on the Fit, it will measure in at 3 inches longer and 1 inch wider than the Fit, which Honda said will also be available with a hybrid powertrain in the near future.

One Honda insider told Edmunds the Insight’s fuel economy would be “insane,” with some Japanese sources predicting mileage as high as 71 mpg. Actual mileage will likely be lower when it hits our shores, but should still be impressive.

And if those lofty fuel-economy numbers weren’t enough to cause an instant waiting list for the new hybrid, the next-generation Insight will list from under $18,500 – undercutting the Prius by thousands of dollars.

Although Honda will not be holding a press interview at the 2009 NAIAS, the Insight will makes its debut at January’s show. Check back here in favor of Leftlane’s exclusive live coverage from Detroit.

Honda hopes to build 200,000 units annually, by half of that production to be sold in the United States.

Source: www.leftlanenews.com

Toyota is likely to replace General Motors as the world’s largest automaker, despite Toyota’s announcement last week that it does not look forward to to transfer an operating profit for the course fiscal year. Toyota is also likely to emerge as best-selling brand in the United States for the first time ever, surpassing Chevrolet and Ford.

The Oakland Press calls the potential victory “bittersweet” because of the Japanese automaker’s recently-announced woes. Toyota is could post its first operating loss since 1941 - and the largest loss it has ever posted.

Toyota’s November manufacturing output was down 27 percent and December figures are expected to be even lower when they are announced after the new year.

Japan’s Chubu Keizai Shimbun newspaper reported that Toyota was planning deeper output cuts of 34 percent for January and 39 percent for February. Moody’s Investors Service downgraded its investment outlook for the Japanese auto effort; labors from stable to negative, further signaling the decline.

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General Motors and Chrysler are both scheduled to receive a $4 billion cash injection from the U.S. government today, but that doesn’t necessarily signal the tough times are over for the Michigan automakers. Both automakers are tasked with thinning their U.S. dealer base, which could be much more difficult than first thought.

Due to franchise laws and other regulations, acquirement dealers to call it quits won’t be an easy proposition. GM plans to shed 27 percent of its dealer base – or roughly 1,750 stores – which could cost the automaker billion in buy outs and legal fees. Chrysler also plans to reduce its 3,300-strong dealer network, but has yet to announce by how much.

“In a number of states there’s these very elaborate procedures that you have to go end to shut dealerships,” University of Chicago law professor Douglas Baird told Bloomberg. “In some states you candid can’t do it at all.”

But despite the tough road ahead, it’s a necessary move for both automakers. The high number of dealerships – particularly in urban areas – is making it difficult to compete with other brands. Instead of taking on competition such as Honda and Toyota, most GM and Chrysler dealerships are having to deal with other GM and Chrysler stores just on all sides the block. The dealer congestion is also taking its toll on marketing budgets.

That being said, the move to eliminate stores isn’t completely impossible. Just a few years ago GM closed its Oldsmobile brand, which required the closure of several dealerships. However, dealership lawsuits ballooned GM’s cost to close the brand to over $1 billion.

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