Auto experts predict strong growth for hybrids; European uptake will be slower than in North America.(Special Report)

Automotive News Europe,  February, 2005  by Truett, Richard

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Byline: Richard Truett

Automakers and suppliers see the writing on the wall.

The success of the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid has forced some manufacturers to build more gasoline-electric hybrids.

Europe's automakers are not rushing hybrids to the market because their sales of diesel models continue to rise.

In the short term, hybrids will be most viable because consumers will pay a premium to get them, a panel of powertrain experts concluded here at the Automotive News World Congress.

This year Toyota Motor Corp. will produce 100,000 Prius ...

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