Honda Motor Co. plans to introduce a hybrid version of its Accord sedan next year, President Takanobu Ito said Wednesday.
"We are currently developing a hybrid engine system for midsize to large vehicles," Ito said in an interview at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday it plans to introduce a plug-in version of the best-selling Prius in Japan at the end of January, with prices starting at ¥3.2 million.
The new Prius PHV has a fuel-economy rating of 61 km per liter and a cruising range of 26.4 km on its lithium-ion battery, which can be charged using a household electricity outlet, according to the company.
Honda expects hybrid cars to account for half of its annual domestic sales by the end of March, Managing Officer Sho Minekawa said in October.