Report: Fiat developing hybrids for 2011

ROME, April 13 (UPI) -- Italian automaker Fiat says it is joining the hybrid race with a new line of drive systems that should be ready to go by 2011.

Fiat told Automotive News Europe its gasoline and diesel hybrids will allow its cars to travel for short distances solely on electricity and will be available in its small cars and minivans.

"We are still in the research phase and, if everything proceeds as expected, we could begin production within three years," said Alfredo Altavilla, chief executive officer of Fiat Powertrain Technologies.

ANE said Fiat has not said if it was working with nickel metal-hybrid batteries or was looking further down the road to the development of advanced lithium-ion batteries. The batteries will be paired with a two-cylinder 900cc engine for cars.