Bucking the trend

Despite the economic fog that has descended on Britain in the wake of the global financial crisis, the UK motors sector continues to chug along nicely.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), UK production volumes revved up 2.5% in September and by 4.9% to 1,353,669 in the first nine months of 2008.

Manufacturing capability

SMMT's chief executive Paul Everitt hailed the industry's tenacity in challenging trading conditions, but warned that difficult times lay ahead.

"UK production continues to demonstrate its strength and resilience," he said. "We already know that production is being scaled back to reflect demand in global markets and we will see this more clearly in the months ahead.

"It is essential that government works with industry to protect vital manufacturing capability.

This includes measures to support domestic demand and sustain longer-term investment in skills and new technology."

The need for innovative technology has been forced on the industry by a mixture of slowing consumer demand and tough national and EU proposals to combat climate change.

Brussels plans for 15% of total energy in the European Union to be generated from renewables by 2020 and the UK Government recently made a radical pledge to cut UK emissions by 80% by 2050 - up from the previous target of 60%.

CO2 emissions

Recent data showed that motor manufacturers are rising to the green challenge.

According to SMMT's ninth annual sustainability report, car manufacturers have cut average new car CO2 emissions by 3.8% over the first nine months of 2008 - the biggest ever margin.

The average new car now emits just 158.6g/km, down from 164.9g/km at the end of 2007 and 16.4% down on the 189.8g/km base in 1997.

These encouraging indicators are a result of manufacturers' ability to develop innovative technologies, which are revolutionising vehicle performance, slashing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering costs for today's environmentally aware consumer.

Versatile Superminis

Drivers' growing preference for a leaner, greener vehicle is evidenced by a surge in demand for smaller models such as Hyundai's i10, Vauxhall's Agila and the Toyota Yaris 1.4L diesel.

The latter has been described as one of the most versatile superminis on the market and is a shining example of environmental efficiency.

With an enviable rating of just 119g/km, this deceptively roomyvehicle costs the driver just £35 each year in road tax, significantly cheaper than the £130 to keep a 1.8L diesel-powered Ford Focus on the road.

Voted Europe's Car of the Year in 1999, the Yaris has been strengthened by a reinforced chassis which has made it 50% stiffer over twisty tarmac and bumps, significantly reducing vibration and noise levels.

With fuel prices rocketing in recent months, smaller eco-friendly vehicles are the ideal solution for consumers seeking to reduce their running costs.

But manufacturers are still producing larger, more powerful vehicles for the discerning business executive.

Hybrid Vehicles

Revolutionary technology can reduce CO2 emissions on even the biggest gas-guzzler and under-the-bonnet hydrogen fuel cells, for example, are designed to be used on commercial lorries as well as the smallest car.

In addition, the industry is exploring new ways of creating "hybrid" vehicles, which combines gas and electric power to offer a cleaner, greener ride.

Full hybrid vehicles allow the electric motor to work independently of the more traditional internal combustion engine while driving at low speeds.

And although the motor industry faces a challenging few months, its ability to innovate and adapt is keeping it racing along in the fast lane.