Toyota is confident of retaining its leading position in hybrid cars despite growing competition, the Japanese firm's chairman said Monday ahead of the International Motor Show (IAA) here.
If the number of hybrid cars grows it will be good for the environment, Katsuaki Watanabe told a press conference three days before the 62nd IAA opened to the public.
Competition in this field is good for everyone because progress made by one automaker benefits all, he stressed.
The second biggest Japanese auto company, Honda, is at present the only one to also offer a hybrid car, combining an electric and petrol or diesel engine, Watanabe added.
But several auto groups plan to show hybrid cars at the Frankfurt show, which has chosen sustainable mobility as its theme.
Watanabe expressed confidence that lithium-ion batteries could be used in hybrid cars after some press reports said their development had been delayed.
Development is ongoing and it is possible that it may take a little time, but we have not yet finalised the calendar, the Toyota boss said.
According to reports, Toyota is concerned the batteries could get too hot and ignite, and Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto acknowledged that the question of security is essential.
Meanwhile, Watanabe reiterated the group's goal to be the first automaker to surpass the level of 10 million unit sales in a year.
Toyota, which is running neck and neck with General Motors this year for the title of world's biggest carmaker, is targetting sales of 10.4 million vehicles in 2009.
