Although the North American auto manufacturers are fighting for their lives during the economic downturn, Honda recently proclaimed that demand for its new hybrid is moving up. The Honda Insight is the least expensive gas-electric hybrid vehicle available on the market today, starting at about $21,000.

The Honda Insight debuted in showrooms across Japan on February 6th, and the company states that sales up until now have been much better than predicted due to the relatively low pricing and high fuel efficiency. Vehicle orders in Japan topped its monthly target of 5,000 in just over a week, the company said. The Insight goes on sale in April in the U.S. and Canada and in March in Europe.