TOKYO, July 5 (UPI) -- Toyota Motor Corp. plans to double its production of gas-electricity hybrid vehicles to half a million in 2006 as demand rises, especially in North America.
Toyota, a leader in the field of hybrid technology, will increase the production of the Prius, the company's main hybrid car, as well as hybrid sports utility vehicles, Harriers and Klugers, expecting demand for such vehicles to increase amid rising oil prices and the improved performance of the autos, the Asahi Shimbun reported Tuesday.
Toyota will also add hybrid versions of its luxury sedans sold under the Lexus brand by the end of 2006.
Hybrid SUVs have become very popular in North America since their introduction there in March this year.
Global demand for hybrid vehicles has grown so much that Toyota will start overseas production of the cars next year for the first time.
In 1997, Toyota's Prius became the first commercial hybrid vehicle sold on the market, followed by Honda Motor Co.'s Insight in 1999.
Sales of Toyota's hybrid cars reached about 135,000 in 2004, while Honda sold about 28,000 such cars.
