NAPA, Calif. -- Consider it the second first step.
Jeff Conrad, general manager of the Honda brand, describes the refreshed 2017 Accord Hybrid as the beginning of an electrification onslaught.
"This Accord Hybrid is at the forefront for our vision for Honda's advanced environmental lineup of vehicles," Conrad told a group of journalists at last week's press launch here. "It's the first step in our plan to create a true volume sales pillar for electrified vehicles of all kinds: hybrids, plug-ins, battery electrics and fuel cells."
Honda isn't alone in aggressively broadening its green car strategy; most automakers are doing the same to avoid hitting a painful regulatory wall in the coming years.