Solved - NEH 2584: Gaselle claimed to be first petrol-electric hybrid by Gandhi Group 1986

[kwgibbs]

French?

[Carnut]

French?

Non..

[thorax]

American?

[dzima1985]

Prototype or production car?

[thorax]

maybe a Canadian prototype called "Giselle", "Gasine" or similar?

[dzima1985]

maybe a Canadian prototype called "Giselle", "Gasine" or similar?

"The Gaselle is a one-off Canadian car that was billed as the world's first hybrid gasoline- and electric-powered car. In 1986, the car was driven 5000 miles (from New York City to Vancouver, British Columbia), touring the US and Canada over an 18-day period."
Your point, prof. Thorax 

[thorax]

but you give the right name not me! 

[Carnut]

Gaselle is the right name along with the description of this car, yes, so will give dzima a point for that.
I would have locked it for thorax if I'd seen it in time as he was clearly on the right track but with not quite the right name.  However, since dzima has not answered all the questions posed I'll lock it for thorax to come up with the last part of the answer (who was responsible for it) and still earn a point!

[thorax]

Hybrid Electric by Gandhi Group Company (1985)

[Carnut]

Hybrid Electric by Gandhi Group Company (1985)

That's it, yes.  The car apparently has a Honda Goldwing engine!

Here's another view:

[dzima1985]

You are very generous, thanks.