Carmakers focus on CO2 cut; greens not impressed

Carmakers will show off their latest efforts to fight pollution at Frankfurt's auto-show next week by unveiling models with improvements rather than substitutes to the standard internal combustion engine.

Under pressure to reduce harmful emissions produced by their vehicles amid fears of global warming, they are keen to show the greenest of intentions with the latest line of engines that consume fuel more efficiently.

For anything more advanced, like a hybrid engine, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Mercedes Benz and others will need another two years before they can show anything worthy of the road, far behind their Japanese rivals.