Hybrids to be hot at Paris auto show

PARIS, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Hybrid automobiles for a world rocked by wallet-emptying gas prices will be front and center at the 2008 Paris auto show, a trade publication reported Sunday.

Automotive News Europe reported that Renault's Ondelios concept is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine and electric motors on the front and rear wheels.

The auto company has no plans to build the car, but instead intends to further develop its hybrid technology.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen plans to introduce hybrid diesels on upper-medium cars and crossovers in 2011.

Other hybrids expected to be at the show that runs Oct. 4-19 include Honda's Insight gasoline-electric hybrid hatchback and BMW's mild-hybrid version of the 7 series.

Ford Motor Co. will show new models in Paris, including its replacement for the Ka minicar, as well as the Focus RS, Ford's fastest European-built model, and a fuel-efficient Fiesta.

For its part, Toyota will debut three new models in Paris: the Avensis, iQ and Urban Cruiser. The iQ mini-car will be the smallest four-seat car on the market, Toyota says.