Fuji Heavy plans to introduce plug-in hybrid

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid, a gasoline-electric car that can be recharged using a household electric outlet, in the mid-2010s, company sources said. Fuji Heavy, known for its Subaru brand, is considering seeking cooperation from its top shareholder, Toyota Motor Corp., in developing the planned plug-in model. Fuji Heavy has already said it will introduce an ordinary hybrid in 2012 based on Toyota technology. The recent announcement is expected to further deepen cooperation between Fuji Heavy and Toyota in the field of environmentally friendly vehicles. (November 7, 2010)