Honda: The new Insight hybrid becomes king of the hill

Sales of hybrid cars have slowed in the US along with traditional gas-fueled models. But the autos with next-generation engines carry special burdens. Hybrids are more expensive than their traditionally powered counterparts, and the falling cost of gas has turned many buyers away from autos which are marketed as getting better mileage.

In Japan, however, where fuel costs are still high, the Honda (HMC) Insight was the top-selling car during the month of April. That means it beat out the global market hybrid leader, the Toyota (TM) Prius. According to the AP, "Honda sold 10,481 Insight cars in April in Japan, according to data released Monday by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association."