Honda announced this morning that they’ll be bringing a new hybrid to market in early 2009. The gas-electric vehicle will be available in the U.S., Japan, and Europe and is expected to be affordably priced.

Along with the 2009 model, Honda plans to release three more hybrid models by 2015 in an effort to challenge the Toyota Prius’ dominance of the hybrid market.

In addition to the announcement of the hybrid vehicles, Takeo Fukui, the president of Honda, spoke in Tokyo about the FCX Clarity. The Clarity is a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicle that will be available for leasing in California, beginning in July. Approximately 200 Clarities will be made available to customers in the next three years.

Toyota has a clear lead in the hybrid market — and overall in green vehicle options. But, if Honda can carry through on their new vehicles (and not fall prey to the poor sales figures their earlier hybrids experienced), they may be able to make the hybrid market their own. One of the planned vehicles that I think looks exceptionally promising is a sport hybrid based on the Honda CR-Z. Many buyers seem to just be waiting for a hybrid that take a little rougher terrain.