Honda to increase hybrid line up

Competition has become fierce among automakers to develop environment-friendly cars with high fuel-efficiency that cut carbon dioxide emissions. Japans Toyota Motor Corp.’s Prius, a hybrid car with a gasoline engine and an electric motor, has gained enormous popularity worldwide. Honda plans to increase its hybrid line-up with the aim of selling 500,000 such vehicles a year. Nissan Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. are employing a different strategy from that of Toyota, focusing on the development of electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries in a bid to catch up with the leading eco-vehicle maker. (July 13, 2008)