Honda hybrid plan bets big on small cars

06/09/2008 23:01. TOKYO--Don't expect large hybrid vehicles from Honda Motor Co. anytime soon.

The company plans to put hybrid systems into compacts and subcompacts because that's where the green technology achieves its greatest efficiencies, said Masaaki Kato, president of Honda R&D Co., the automaker's product development arm.

The strategy differs from that of Honda's rivals, which largely have been installing hybrid drivetrains in luxury sedans and SUVs.

Toyota Motor Corp. is making its next-generation Prius, due for the 2010 model year, bigger than the current one. Toyota also will debut a new Lexus hybrid at the Detroit auto show in January.

Nissan Motor Co.'s first in-house hybrid will go into an Infiniti, and Ford Motor Co. and General Motors have focused on hybrid SUVs and pickups.

Honda's... // CNET News