Ministers to switch to hybrids

Environment Minister Tetsuo Saito proposed Tuesday replacing all official cars for Cabinet ministers with next-generation automobiles, such as hybrids, by the time the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012 as part of efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

He told a news conference after presenting the proposal at a ministers' informal meeting that other Cabinet ministers gave their approval.

According to the Environment Ministry, six out of 13 official cars for Cabinet members are already next-generation automobiles.