A hybrid vehicle has been introduced for the first time in Central America by Toyota Purdy Motor, an automobile company. The car, Toyota Prius, is powered by two engines, one electrical and one conventional. The car is the latest attempt by the Japanese auto industry to solve some of the environmental problems. The car apart from being ecofriendly, is both affordable and versatile. "The car is in Costa Rica for a series of special trials,' says Allan Sime, Purdy's marketing director. It is expected to be available in Costa Rican market by 2004. As a government incentive, the import tax would not be imposed on the car in Costa Rica and will be priced at us $25,000.