Auto majors gear up to develop greener, smaller cars

The Indian automotive industry is set for a major transition, with manufacturers in the country looking at developing greener and more compact cars, in a bid to combat the on-going surge in fuel prices and to stay competitive in the budget-conscious market. Companies like Tata Motors have not only gone ahead and developed cars like the Nano, but have also announced plans to introduce a petrol-electric hybrid version of Indica. Says Arun Jaura, chief technology officer of the Mahindra group: “We have a presence in hydrogen-hybrid, bio-fuel, electric, and CNG technologies. And now are working with the government on hydrogen-CNG technology.” (June 6, 2008)