Motor manufacturers in the Far East are reportedly placing increasing emphasis on the importance of greener vehicles.

Executives from car firms debated the issue of improving fuel efficiency and creating cleaner cars at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan.

The number of medium-term options discussed by car bosses at the show increased, as the battle to create the least polluting cars continues. Many vehicle experts are convinced that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are the future for motoring, but it is proving more difficult to agree on a shorter-term solution for reducing car emissions, Reuters reports.

Carlos Ghosn, Nissan chief executive, commented: "The only breakthrough technology is fuel cell because this is the one that guarantees you are out of oil dependency,"

However, reliable, affordable hydrogen-powered vehicles are thought to be more than ten years away and other possibilities in the interim include diesel hybrids, dual-fuel engines, plug-in electric hybrids and pure electric cars.

Some delegates at the motor show argued that more effective synthetic fuels and energy-efficient diesel engines were better placed to reduce emissions than hybrid vehicles, which they predicted would remain a niche market.

Volkswagen research director Wolfgang Steiger said that the use of such fuels could precipitate a global diesel market without the need to establish completely new technology.

"We need alternative energy sources, not just improvement in powertrain," he argued.

US gas prices have hit record levels this year, as supply concerns and the effects of several hurricanes shook the market. Global concerns over increased demand and safety of supply have also affected oil prices, adding impetus to the drive for new clean emission technologies.


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