Fuji Heavy to deliver new electric cars

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. said it will begin deliveries in Japan of its newly developed electric car starting in late July. The Tokyo-based manufacturer of Subaru-brand cars plans to sell 170 units, which is based on its existing mini-vehicle model, during this fiscal year through March 2010. The electric car, dubbed the Subaru Plug-In Stella, will be priced at ¥4.72 million (US$49,024) including consumption tax, but buyers can apply for a subsidy of up to ¥1.38 million (US$14,333). With its launch of the Stella, Toyota Motor Corp. affiliate Fuji Heavy joins the first group of automakers commercializing emission-free cars for general consumers. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will sell the i MiEV electric car to corporate clients in July, while Nissan Motor Co. aims to release an electric-powered vehicle in 2010. While the electric motors in both the Stella and i MiEV have the same power output capacity, the Mitsubishi model can travel at a top speed of 130 kilometers per hour and can go for 160 kilometers at cruising speed on a single charge. (June 4, 2009)