TOKYO -- Aiming to meet growing demand, Honda will expand production capacity for motors used in midsize and large hybrid autos.

The Japanese automaker has accelerated hybrid development, as seen in such moves as launching gasoline-electric versions of its Odyssey minivans in Japan this February.

A transmission factory in the city of Hamamatsu builds motors for such high-output hybrids as minivans and sedans, like the Accord. It had one production line for this purpose in fiscal 2015 but added a second this July and will get a third in October.

Honda began producing the North American hybrid Accord in Saitama Prefecture this May. The new lines will help meet growing demand for hybrid motors.

Hybrids accounted for just 5% of Honda's global car sales in fiscal 2015. But hybrids now dominate Odyssey sales in Japan, enjoying a 70% share in the April-July period. With emissions regulations around the world expected to tighten further, Honda is accumulating technologies for producing new motors in anticipation of stronger demand for electric vehicles.

Its Suzuka factory, in Mie Prefecture, began production Tuesday of hybrid motors for smaller cars. Honda has developed with Daido Steel a magnet that does not require such rare-earth elements as dysprosium imported almost solely from China. The automaker will look to mass-produce the motors, helping to ensure stable output of vehicles. The new motors will go into Honda's redesigned Freed minivan, due out next month.