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Honda Goes After Prius In Hybrid Market

Lamborghini Unveils First Four-Door

Posted: 11:57 am EDT October 2, 2008Updated: 12:39 pm EDT October 2, 2008

Honda has unveiled a new "affordable" hybrid family car at the Paris Motor Show to challenge the success of rival Toyota.

Honda Motor Co. said Thursday the five-door Insight gasoline-electric hatchback will go on sale in Japan, Europe and North America next spring.

The new Insight Concept shares styling cues with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle and provides an early look at the highly anticipated five-passenger hybrid vehicle, the company said.

The concept version will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, with the production version making its global debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

President and CEO Takeo Fukui said the Japanese automaker aims to sell 200,000 of the cars worldwide each year.

Honda said its response to Toyota Motor Corp's hybrid-only Prius "will be priced significantly lower than any other hybrid car on the market."

Honda described the car shown in Paris as a concept version of the production model that will be unveiled in January.

Honda said the Insight is the first of three new hybrid models it will introduce within the next four years.

Lamborghini Shows First Four-Door

The Italian luxury sports car marker is showing a concept car for families in the fast lane.

The Lamborghini Estoque has four doors -- a first for the company. It's being introduced at the Paris Motor Show.

Company officials said it's designed for everyday use, with a trunk that can hold three suitcases or a pair of golf club bags.

If it does make it into production it won't be cheap. Lamborghinis start at about $200,000 each.

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