Honda boss sceptical about plug-in hybrids

TOKYO (AFP)


“Until now, the hybrid vehicle business has been about creating impressions and images among potential buyers, and not about producing profitable vehicles at affordable prices,” he told the group’s annual year-end press conference.

He acknowledged that rival Toyota Motor Corp. had made headway with its popular Prius hybrid, but added that the “real competition” begins now.

Honda will introduce a model in 2009 that will only be available as a hybrid, like the Prius, in a bid to highlight the technology, Fukui said.

AFP