Asian carmakers opt for new propulsion--Companies look to the future while developing green technology today

摘要

Last year the global downturn and sinking petrol prices resulted in a 10 percent drop in the sales of alternative cars in the U.S. -the world's biggest market for hybrid vehicles. Yet automakers still managed a slight increase in the sale of hybrid and electric cars in 2009 as more and more buyers seek greener vehicles. Japan remains the global leader in the construction of automobiles with alternative engine technology. This year Honda began selling its new Insight hybrid model, which is powered by an economical internal combustion engine that is supported by an electric motor. The car has become a hit in Japan, where it sells for about 15,300 euros. Honda had initially expected to sell about 5,000 models in the month of February, but received nearly 15,000 orders in the first two weeks. Honda expects to sell a total of 200,000 models worldwide this year.