Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) plans to install solar panels on some Prius hybrids as part of its next generation remodeling, according to reports by Reuters and AFP.
AFP cited a story in the Nikkei economic daily, which said high-end models will be fitted with rooftop solar panels–a move that would be a first for mass-produced vehicles.
Reuters added that the panels will be supplied by Japanese solar company Kyocera Corp (NYSE: KYO) and would be capable of powering part of the air-conditioning.
Reuters quoted an unidentified source as saying, "It’s more of a symbolic gesture. It’s very difficult to power much more than that with solar energy."
A Toyota spokesman would not comment on the report.
The company plans to launch the third-generation Prius next year.
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