Japan’s eco-car market shifts into high gear

Japanese automakers are gearing up to launch new environment-friendly models after September, when the government’s eco-car subsidy program will likely expire. The program has boosted sales of hybrid vehicles and fuel-efficient gasoline vehicles, and automakers are now trying to add appealing new features to those models so sales will remain strong even when the subsidies end. Automakers assume that the consumer trend toward eco-cars, driven by increasing awareness of environmental concerns, will continue even after the government’s eco-car subsidy program ends. (July 30, 2010)