Natural Gas Auto Planned By Honda

Honda Motor Co. said today it will sell a natural gas-powered Civic sedan that produces less harmful exhaust gas than conventional models.

The vehicle runs on the same natural gas commonly used in U.S. homes. Its tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions are 20 percent less than a gasoline-powered car, and other toxic gases have been slashed to almost “zero,” according to a Honda press release.

The car will be sold in Japan beginning next June for about $15,300. Honda said it aims to sell 100 cars annually.

The automaker also will produce the car next spring for the U.S. market at its East Liberty, Ohio, plant. It plans to sell them to fleet users.