Looking at car company news feeds and other sources surrounding the Paris Motor Show, it is clear that hybrid cars are set to become a large part in new car sales in Europe in the next few years.
Here is what some of the main manufacturers are doing to enable us to continue our addiction to cars without hurting the planet.
Renault
Renault and French electric utility EDF signed an agreement to create a large-scale, zero-emissions individual transport and travel system, starting with France. The objective is to establish electric cars as a viable and attractive transport solution for consumers. Renault are aiming to produce a zero-emissions vehicle by 2011.
Vauxhall
Vauxhall launch EcoFlex - the Vauxhall Astra will be the first car to carry the badge, which symbolises a move to reduced emissions and improved fuel economy.
Available initially as a five-door hatchback, the Astra ecoFLEX features a 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine to return 62.8mpg on the combined cycle and 119g/km of CO2. Prices start at £ 16,340.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen unveils the Golf BlueMotion concept car, which is capable of achieving a combined 74.3 mpg while emitting just 99 g/km of CO2.
Peugeot
Those hip and happening dudes at Peugeot encourage car sharing through facebook, and release a new electric hybrid concept vehicle at the Paris Motor Show.
Honda
Honda will release 2 new hybrid cars in 2009, as part of their strategy to sell 400,000 hybrids per year by 2011. The new global hybrid, to be released in 2009, will launch in Europe first, before being released in North America.
Citroen
Citroen are going to release second generation "Stop and Start" technology on their new Picasso in 2009.
The concept car offers almost 70mpg on the combined cycle as well as low CO2 emissions of just 110g/km. It acheives this by using Stop & Start technology and six-speed EGS (Electronic Gearbox System). When the new C3 Picasso is launched in 2009, diesel versions will be fitted with a Particulate Filter System and will meet the Company's green 'Airdream' criteria.
The new-generation Stop & Start system will retain the combined alternator-starter unit, and will produce better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.
Audi
Audi also release a concept car in Paris, and buck the UK September sales slump with good sales performance from their new models - the A3 Cabriolet and TT TDI.
Hybrid Toxicity ?
Ironically, this movement towards greener cars may create a new environmental hazard - what happens to all the batteries when the car reaches the end of its life ? HybridCars.com have an interesting article - on this, suggesting that while companies like Toyota will be as honest about this as they can, even going as far as providing a reward for returned car batteries, lithium ion batteries may provide the answer for the future.
Ford
It's also possible that drivers can make their own cars greener just by changing the way they drive, as Fords article suggests. Ford also unveiled a new KA car at the Paris show, with customisation being the main selling point.
This report was compiled by Justin Woodcock on behalf of Find-a-Part - Car Parts Search Specialists since 1978.
