IN BRIEF (Page 14)

Honda plans more hybrids

Honda Motor Co, Japan's second-largest carmaker, plans to introduce lithium-ion battery-powered hybrid cars as it struggles to narrow Toyota Motor Corp's lead in sales of gasoline-electric cars.

Honda plans to use lithium-ion batteries in its Civic compact "within the next two to three years", as well as in its Acura luxury cars and other models, Executive Vice-President Koichi Kondo said. Honda has failed to match Toyota's success with hybrids, led by the top-selling Prius.