Honda and Industry Body Drive Hybrid Technicians

SEE ALSO:http://www.ev-motoring.com"> EV-Motoring - Electric Vehicle News Specs and Reviews

TULLAMARINE, AUSTRALIA – October 29, 2009: Honda has continued its pioneering work in the hybrid technology sector by partnering with the Institute of Motoring Industry’s (IMI) awarding body IMI Awards, to introduce a nationally recognised qualification for maintaining hybrid cars in the United Kingdom.

Available to mechanics across the car manufacturing industry, the Automotive Internal Combustion and Electric Hybrid Technology Components and Operation Award will include practical and theory elements, with skills-based qualification to be conducted at the Honda Institute.

Developed under the new Qualifications and Credit Framework, the Award can also be included as part of wider automotive qualifications and apprenticeships offered by education colleges.

“I believe I speak for the industry as well as Honda when I say that this not only benefits learners, but is the responsible thing to do in terms of end-user safety and awareness,” said Eliot Smith, technical training coordinator at the Honda Institute.

“Independent car mechanics can also gain a nationally recognised qualification and therefore assure motorists that they are servicing a hybrid car correctly and safely,” he said.

Honda has sold over 300,000 hybrid vehicles worldwide since 1999, and the future target of global sales is to be 10 per cent hybrid, comprising three models; the Civic Hybrid, Insight and a hybrid sports model based on the CR-Z concept.

The Automotive Internal Combustion and Electric Hybrid Technology Components and Operation Award is a joint development between IMI Awards, Honda, BMW and Toyota.