New Vehicle Technologies

Increases in fuel efficiency
The fuel efficiency of new cars has been increasing. The US has had a standard Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) since 1975, which is currently 27.5 mpg (8.6 L/100km) for cars. The EC has now reached an agreement with the European Car Makers Association (ACEA) to achieve standards of 6 L/100km for petrol cars and 5.3 L/100km for diesel cars by 2005. Japanese car manufacturers are committed to increasing fuel efficiency in cars by 8.5%. It is estimated that by 2020 emissions reductions of over 30% could be achieve through improvements to existing technologies (Weiss et al, 2000).

Volkswagen has developed a car that uses 1 litre of petrol per 100 km. It is built from composite carbon fibre, with a frame of ultra-light magnesium rather than aluminium reducing weight considerably. First outing on public roads on 14th April 2002

pictures www.vwvortex.com