Cleaner cars are set to shine at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week, as pressure builds on automakers to make environmental protection a priority. Hybrid engines that save energy and run on biofuels or hydrogen, or cars that turn off when stopped to trim consumption and CO2 emissions, are among the responses being offered as more than 1,000 exhibitors from some 40 countries display their wares.
In addition to growing interest in fuel-efficient cars owing to higher gas prices, the European Commission wants to force automakers to cut CO2 emissions from 2012 to 120 grams per kilometer from around 160 at present.