The Japanese magazine Nikkei reports today that the next generation Prius will feature solar panels, in this way Toyota becoming the first major automaker to use solar power for a vehicle.

Toyota would equip solar panels on the roof of the high-end version of the Prius when it redesigns the gasoline-electric hybrid car early next year, and the power generated by the system would be used for the air conditioning.

The solar panels will be made by Kyocera Corp.

Next generation Prius will make its world debut in 2009 at the Detroit Auto show.

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