July 8, 2008 - Toyota is making the "symbolic gesture" of mounting solar panels on some next-generation Prius hybrids, Reuters reports.

In an attempt to respond to rising consumer demand for greener cars, the company will be using the panels on some of its higher-end models to power some of the air conditioning.

"It's more of a symbolic gesture," according to an anonymous source within the company. "It's very difficult to power much more than that with solar energy."

As gas prices soar, car manufacturers are racing to keep up with demand of hybrids and electric cars, and to build on the consumer push for green motoring.

While roof-mounted solar panels are not yet a viable power source for cars, Prius is hoping its latest green add-on will attract consumers looking to boost their green status.

Toyota says it aims to sell at least 1 million hybrid cars a year by the early part of the next decade.