Honda to show new hybrid car at Paris auto show

TOKYO (Reuters) – Honda Motor Co will unveil a prototype of its eagerly awaited low-cost hybrid car due for launch in early 2009 at the Paris auto show next month, Japan’s No.2 automaker said on Thursday.

The five-door, five-seater compact hatchback — Honda’s second attempt at a dedicated hybrid car after it discontinued production of the two-seater Insight in 2006 — will also be called Insight.

Honda is looking to close the gap with pioneer Toyota Motor Corp with a new family of cheaper, more fuel-efficient gasoline-electric cars by slashing the cost and weight of its hybrid system.

Reuters UK