Honda To Start Selling Hybrid Cars In Europe Next Spring

TOKYO -Dow Jones reported that Honda Motor Co. will start selling hybrid cars in the European market in the spring of 2003, Kyodo News reported Wednesday.

Honda already began sales of its "CIVIC Hybrid" model in Thailand in July, Kyodo said.

The global market for hybrid electric vehicles, or HEVs, is growing. Automakers are increasingly focusing resources on HEVs as demand rises for cars with higher fuel-efficiency and less exhaust gas.

Honda officials weren't available for comment due to the company's summer holiday.