Competition for fuel-efficient cars heats up

Japanese automakers are working to develop more fuel-efficient vehicles ahead of the competition. Mazda Motor Corp. has just introduced the modified version of its Demio subcompact car on June 30. This new car reportedly can travel 30 kilometers on a liter of fuel. Daihatsu will supposedly release a vehicle that surpasses the 30 kilometer per liter mark this fall. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is hoping to release a similar fuel efficient vehicle next spring. Meanwhile, Toyota and Honda are looking to increase their market position by increasing their line-ups of hybrid vehicles. (July 6, 2011)