National carmaker Proton is working on a hybrid car using an electric motor and hopes to roll it out in less than five years, Proton adviser and former premier Mahathir Mohamad said today.

"Proton is actually working hard to produce hybrid cars, we have been working at least for five years, it has not been easy," he told a news conference.

When asked when Proton was expected to unveil the hybrid for sale, he said: "We hope earlier than five years, God willing."

Record fuel prices are spurring the popularity of smaller, cleaner hybrid automobiles, particularly in the United States where they have won high-profile endorsements from Hollywood stars.

However, they are likely to meet with resistance among consumers in Asia where giant sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are still status symbols.

In neighbouring Singapore, hybrid cars combining petrol and electric motors to reduce fuel consumption and emissions have been introduced by some dealers but are not popular among motorists, partly because of their high prices.