It seems that a big hybrid car is not in Honda's plans anytime soon. The company plans to put hybrid systems into compacts and subcompacts because that's where the green technology achieves its greatest efficiencies, according to Masaaki Kato, president of Honda R&D Co.

The strategy differs from that of Honda's rivals, which largely have been installing hybrid drivetrains in luxury sedans and SUVs in hopes of keeping customers in the big cars. In contrast Honda's next hybrid will likely be smaller than the Civic. After that, an even smaller sports hybrid, the CR-Z, arrives. Around 2012, a hybrid Fit may be added.

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