Looks like Honda Japan are getting more than anticipated interest (in terms of orders) for the new hybrid sports CR-Z. Honda has received 10 times more orders than it was expecting for its new CR-Z sports coupe in the first month of sales in Japan. The firm has set itself a monthly sales target of 1000 units for the first few months of production, but orders in March have so far topped 10,000.

There's also a 'mini review' here of the CR-Z thanks to Autocar. Unfortunately all the comparisons are to the Insight and not the previous generation CRX.

In MotoGP news Jonathan Rea didn't achieve the two podium finishes he was after. Jonathan Rea looked on course for two podium finishes at Portimao but had to settle for one, securing third in the opener then being forced out of the second 22-lap contest. Rea earned his podium place by a combination of determination and a little good fortune when Cal Crutchlow fell while trying to stay ahead of Rea, with two complete laps to go.

On a slightly different note, Honda have announced a personal generator using Butane canisters. Output is around 900W however there is no mention of this making it to Australia. The ENEPO EU9iGB generator is the second Honda power product after the Pianta FV200 rotary tiller to be powered by home-use butane gas canisters. Compact and offering output of 900 VA, the reasonably priced ENEPO EU9iGB generator is accessible in three ways. One, its butane fuel is easy to handle and manage. Two, the generator itself is easy to transport and store. Three, it is very easy to use.