Government agencies in the country's five major cities will receive this year environment-friendly hybrid cars.

The Environment Ministry said Monday that it will receive by month's end purchase applications for the cars and distribute some four-hundred-20 units in the five areas this year.

Hybrid vehicles, which have thus far been distributed only to state agencies in the capital region, will rise in number to 1,200 by 2007 and 2,200 by 2008.

A hybrid uses a gasoline engine and a battery-powered electric motor for 40 percent higher fuel efficiency than that of conventional gas-powered vehicles.