Mercedes to launch hybrid car in 2008

Reuters / July 15, 2006 - 11:00 am FRANKFURT (Reuters) -- DaimlerChrysler's luxury Mercedes brand plans to market its first hybrid car in 2008.

"We're well on track and will bring a competitive concept to the market at the start of 2008," DaimlerChrysler's research chief Thomas Weber told the Wirtschaftswoche magazine.

Hybrids combine an electric motor and batteries with petrol or diesel engines to boost fuel economy and cut emissions.

Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Corp. has aggressively promoted its top-selling Prius hybrid model.

The magazine said Mercedes was planning to launch a "mild" hybrid version for its S-class model line in 2008.

A "mild" hybrid can boost acceleration and make engines work more efficiently in stop-and-go traffic, but costs less than a full hybrid.