Honda Plans Gas-Electric Hybrid of Accord

DETROIT David Runk writing for the AP reported that Honda looking to bolster its commitment to producing environmentally friendly vehicles, announced plans to introduce a gas-electric hybrid version of its Accord this fall.

"We have always targeted the world's most advanced technologies," said Fukui, whose remarks were preceded by an appearance from a human-like ASIMO robot the company is developing.

The company also said it will introduce a Honda-developed fuel cell unit with increased performance and fuel efficiency in 2005 that will be capable of starting in below-freezing temperatures.

Fuel cell technology creates electric power from hydrogen and is viewed by the industry and environmentalists as a possible alternative to fossil fuels. The only tailpipe emissions from fuel cell vehicles that use pure hydrogen is water vapor.

Fukui said Honda wants to gain real experience with fuel cell vehicles to help speed their development. And he said the company is committed to supporting the development of a hydrogen refueling infrastructure that would be needed for such vehicles to gain wide use.