Suzuki plans to launch a compact hybrid vehicle, executive vice president Osamu Honda has said.

Suzuki has been developing hybrid technologies in a bid to meet growing demand for vehicles with high fuel efficiency, he told Jiji Press.

He also said reducing weight was very important for future vehicle manufacturing.

The company has developed technology that can take 70kg to 90kg off vehicles weighing less than one tonne.

After further development, the technology will be used for vehicles to be launched over the next several years.