Honda Accord Hybrid Due in Fall 2004

Honda Motor Co. will introduce a gas-electric hybrid version of its Accord this fall. The new Accord will provide fuel economy similar to a four-cylinder Civic, according to president and chief executive Takeo Fukui. Honda already sells two hybrids, the Insight and the Civic.

He also said the company will introduce in 2005 a fuel cell unit with increased performance and fuel efficiency capable of starting in below-freezing temperatures. Fukui said Honda wants to gain experience with fuel cell vehicles to help speed their development. And he said the company is committed to supporting the development of a hydrogen fueling infrastructure that would be needed for such vehicles to gain wide use.