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Honda Motor Co. intends to present a hybrid version of the Accord sedan in 2012, according to President Takanobu Ito during an interview at the Tokyo Motor Show. Ito said that the company, which is the third biggest automaker in Japan, is presently developing a hybrid engine system for mid- to large-sized vehicles. Toyota Motor Corp., the largest automaker in Asia, said that it is hoping to introduce a plug-in version of the top-selling Prius in Japan towards the end of January, with a starting price of 3.2 million yen ($41,030).
Toyota claims that the new Prius PHV has a fuel-economy rating of 61 kilometers per liter. It also has a cruising range of 26.4 kilometers on its lithium-ion battery, which can be charged via a household electricity outlet.
Honda anticipates that hybrid cars will eventually make up about half of its yearly sales in Japan by the end of March, according to Managing Officer Sho Minekawa.