Fuji Heavy Likely to Launch Hybrid Legacy

Tokyo, Sept. 3 (Jiji Press)--Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. <7270> is
considering using an existing model in launching a gasoline-electric hybrid
vehicle, informed sources told Jiji Press Thursday.
The Subaru-brand automaker is unlikely to offer a hybrid-only
vehicle like Toyota Motor Corp.'s <7203> Prius, the sources said.
Fuji Heavy plans to release its first hybrid in Japan as early as
2011 using technology supplied by its top shareholder, Toyota.
Fuji Heavy is expected to make its first hybrid a version of its
flagship Legacy series, the sources said. The company is considering selling
the hybrid in North America as well.
Fuji Heavy launched an electric vehicle in Japan in July. But the
automaker believes that hybrid demand will remain strong in Japan before
electric vehicles eventually become mainstream in the green car market, a
top executive said.
Honda Motor Co. <7267> released its Insight hybrid in February,
followed by Toyota's launch of the third generation of its flagship Prius in
May. Nissan Motor Co. <7201> also plans to launch a hybrid sedan next year.
The Prius was the top-selling vehicle in Japan for the second
straight month in July.