Honda expects eco-friendly cars to be top sellers

Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., the country’s second largest passenger car manufacturer, expects the global downturn to put fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly cars among next year’s top-selling models, according to a report. President Kenji Otaka said better mileage and a capacity to run on alternative fuels would be the key purchase criteria, along with performance and a sporty design. Honda is one of the leading carmakers to actively support the Thai government’s campaign to promote gasohol E20, by producing and marketing E20-compatible cars in Thailand since the beginning of 2008. (December 4, 2008)