Fuel-efficient cars highlight Geneva auto show

updated 10:31 a.m. ET March 5, 2007

FRANKFURT, Germany - Fuel efficiency through new technology and hybrid vehicles will be a top theme at this year's Geneva Motor Show, with DaimlerChrysler displaying a lower-emission diesel engine and Toyota unveiling its Hybrid X concept marrying an electric motor with a gas engine.

The 77th edition of the show comes amid stronger concern about global warming and the environment, and a debate about auto emission limits in Europe. One sharp focus is on making engines more fuel-efficient and more environmentally conscious — while helping to maintain a healthy bottom line.

DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes brand will unveil its BLUETEC emission-control technology in combination with a consumption-optimized four-cylinder diesel, an engine that could lower emissions while increasing gas mileage.

"Our diesel strategy is an effective answer to the question of how to save fuel and, therefore, CO2, how to further reduce all exhaust emissions," said DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche.

Japanese automaker Toyota Corp. is also slated to have the next-step designs of its hybrid Prius models, which use electricity, batteries and a gas-powered internal combustion.

As it moves to combat global warming, the European Union has set a goal of 130 grams of CO2 per kilometer per vehicle by 2012, down from around 163 grams per kilometer on average now.

Smaller and more fuel-efficient cars from China will be getting attention. China's Brilliance JinBei Automobile unveils its first car aimed at European consumers, the BS 6, to be distributed through HSO Motors Europe.

"The exclusive ambiance of this top salon forms a tremendous springboard for launching our top of the range model, the BS 6, and for the introduction of the Brilliance brand to the European market," said Hans-Ulrich Sachs, chairman and managing director of HSO.

China is more and more a crucial market and source of partners for Europe's big automakers, and last week DaimlerChrysler, which is in the midst of reorganizing its American Chrysler Group, announced a plan to start selling Chinese-made cars under the Chrysler name in North America and western Europe.

"Small vehicles such as these will allow Chrysler Group brands to compete in segments in which the brands do not currently compete, and which are especially important in price- and fuel-economy sensitive markets," the German-U.S. automaker said in a statement.

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