In Germany, auto manufacturers, the government, and oil companies plan to work together to develop more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles.
Germany's transport ministry reportedly announced a joint initiative to combine know-how so as to avoid unnecessary duplication and costs in developing competing technologies. Participants include: BMW, Volkswagen AG, and Daimler-Benz AG among vehicle makers; Deutsche Shell AG and RWE-DEA AG among petroleum companies; and retailer Aral AG.
Transport Minister Matthias Wissmann told reporters the participants aim to identify by the end of 1999 as many as three energy sources on which to focus development work. The aim is to develop a joint strategy, he said. Potential energy sources include internal combustion engines running on natural gas or hydrogen, electric motors, and hybrid systems.
The group is expected to concentrate first on developing existing gasoline and diesel technology, which is likely to lead to several manufacturers introducing cars that can travel 100 km on less than 3 l. of fuel.
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