At German Auto Show, Watanabe Confident Toyota Will Lead Hybrid Pack - AFP

[hatrack]

EDIT

If the number of hybrid cars grows it will be good for the environment, Katsuaki Watanabe told a press conference three days before the 62nd IAA opened to the public. Competition in this field is good for everyone because progress made by one automaker benefits all, he stressed.

The second biggest Japanese auto company, Honda, is at present the only one to also offer a hybrid car, combining an electric and petrol or diesel engine, Watanabe added. But several auto groups plan to show hybrid cars at the Frankfurt show, which has chosen sustainable mobility as its theme.

Watanabe expressed confidence that lithium-ion batteries could be used in hybrid cars after some press reports said their development had been delayed. Development is ongoing and it is possible that it may take a little time, but we have not yet finalised the calendar, the Toyota boss said.

According to reports, Toyota is concerned the batteries could get too hot and ignite, and Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto acknowledged that the question of security is essential.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070910/bs_afp/germanyjapanauto_070910221524;_ylt=AsA3BDRYQ9YY5SPCce6WsLflyREB

[TommyO]

1. Nissan is another Japanese company that is offering hybrids

in the form of the Nissan Altima - it's not available in all fifty states at this point, but it definitely exists.