Lithium-ion Batteries to Drive the Future of the Automobile Industry

TOKYO, JAPAN--October 4, 2010--Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--In Japan, one cannot go anywhere without spotting a hybrid vehicle, such as the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight. The Prius, released in 1997 in Japan, was ranked as the country's top-selling car for the 16th straight month in August, which saw domestic vehicle sales reaching more than 22,000 cars. Sales of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) have been boosted by government incentives and tax breaks. However, sales are expected to take a small downward turn as government incentives ended September 30.

Companies featured: Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (TYO:4188), Hanwha Chemical Corporation (SEO:009830), POSCO ICT Company Limited (SEO:022100), POSCO (NYSE:PKX), Hitachi Limited (NYSE:HIT), Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TYO:7211), Panasonic Corporation (NYSE:PC), NEC Corporation (TYO:6701), Nissan Motor Company Limited (TYO:7201), SK Holdings Company Limited (SEO:003600), Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)