In July, for example, Ford announced it would increase the fuel economy of its sports utility vehicles by 25 per cent by 2005. The gains will be largely achieved through improvements to the engine and gearbox, through weight reductions and through improved aerodynamics. In addition, it plans to introduce a hybrid version of its newly-introduced Escape vehicle. Such hybrids, which combine a small internal combustion engine and a battery-driven electric motor, use significantly less fuel than conventional vehicles. Like fuel cell cars, the prospects for hybrid vehicles are not yet clear.
Numerous uncertainties surround the new generation of fuel efficient cars.
Nonetheless, the scope and scale of the manufacturers' initiatives suggests that significant improvements on conventional technology will soon be realised.