Hybrids are more than a concept

By The Associated Press
Published: January 12, 2010
Updated: January 16, 2010 - 1:45 PM

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DETROIT --

Toyota and Honda both unveiled their intentions to build hybrid cars that appeal to younger buyers.

Toyota's newest hybrid concept car is smaller than the Prius and geared toward younger buyers and will be part of the company's hybrid and alternative-fuel lineup, which it is expanding in the next several years.

The Japanese automaker showed off the FT-CH compact at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Monday, and it confirmed it plans to expand the Prius brand from a single vehicle to a family of hybrids. The FT-CH could be sold under the Prius name, Toyota said.

Honda Motor Co. showed off the production model of the 2011 CR-Z at the auto show. It's a sporty two-seater hybrid that will go on sale in the United States in late summer. Prices have not been announced.