Power to the people

The British Government used the lead-up to next week's "greener" Geneva motor show to introduce its own environmental incentive - a $500million package aimed at getting Britons into ultra-low emission cars.

From next year, British motorists will be entitled to a grant of up to $11,000 to buy an electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell car that meets safety, reliability, performance and warranty standards set by the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles (OLEV).

The Government also put in place stage one of infrastructure needed to support EVs, with 11,000 charging posts in and around London and England's north-east. Other regions wanting in on the scheme include Northern Ireland.

Electric Car Corporation chief executive David Martell said the policy would stimulate the electric car market. "It is undoubtedly the only way UK motorists will be persuaded to change their motoring habits and give up their petrol cars," he said.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said the scheme was great news for motorists. "The UK is determined to be a world-leader in developing ultra-low carbon vehicles, sustaining and creating high-skill jobs, attracting inward investment and producing cutting-edge products," said chief executive Paul Everitt.

"Manufacturers develop and produce new technology where demand exists. This incentive will help encourage international investment in the UK as well as reducing motorists' CO2 emissions."

The announcement came as Geneva gets ready to follow last month's Detroit show and display more cleaner-burning vehicles, around 25 concepts and new production models.

Even high-performance brands such as Ferrari and Porsche have bowed to the trend to be green. The trend towards smaller, more fuel-efficient cars will be apparent too.

Audi will unveil its A1 small car, which is expected to land in New Zealand later in the year and go head-to-head with BMW's Mini brand.

Small car specialist Fiat and its new American stablemate Chrysler will move closer together in rebadging models for Europe and the US.

Some of the models making their world debuts include:

Alfa Romeo: Its new Giulietta hatchback will be the first Fiat car to use the company's new Compact platform, which also will be used in global markets for new Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The Giulietta replaces the 147 and will arrive in New Zealand this year.

Audi: On show will be the A1 and a hybrid concept version of its new A8 flagship sedan. The carmaker claims the A1's range of 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol engines and 1.6-litre diesel unit offer fuel economy of between 3.5 and 6 litres/100km and CO2 exhaust emissions of between 102 and 119g/km.

BMW: The new 5-Series sedan goes on sale in Europe next month and in New Zealand around September. On show will be a hybrid concept of the car called the ActiveHybrid 5. Its global launch is planned for early next year.

Chrysler: The Chrysler brand and Fiat's Lancia will share a stand. Fiat and Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne has said four Chrysler models will be imported from North America and rebadged as Lancias in Italy in 2011.

Ferrari: Ferrari will show its 599 sports car with a hybrid powertrain. It is said that the new system will use lithium-ion batteries and an electric motor to cut the fuel requirements of the 599's V12 by 35 per cent.

Kia: Kia's new Sportage moves away from the rugged off-roader look of the current model to sleeker crossover proportions. The new Sportage is longer, lower and wider than the first- and second-generation models and has a more dynamic-looking exterior, thanks to chief designer Peter Schreyer, a former Volkswagen Group stylist. Kia will show also its "Ray" concept, which utilises solar components in glass windows.

Lexus: On show is the CT 200h, a compact hybrid hatchback that will rival entry-premium models in Europe such as the new Audi A1 and BMW 1 series. Lexus says the CT 200h will be the first full hybrid model in the premium-compact segment. The car is powered by Lexus's second-generation hybrid drive technology. The CT 200h will be the brand's entry-level model in Europe.

Mercedes-Benz : At Detroit, it showed the Rising Car sculpture, whose sweeping lines, muscular wheel haunches and pronounced grille previewed the new CLS sedan as well as a fresh design language for the German premium brand. In Geneva, the sculpture will come to life as the second-generation CLS concept.

Mini: Expanding Mini's line-up is part of owner BMW's bid to boost the brand's profitability. The new Countryman is Mini's fourth model as well as its first four-door car. The Countryman will be offered with three petrol and two diesel engines, along with brake energy regeneration and a stop-start system to reduce fuel consumption.

Peugeot: The "5" concept car is another indication of the changing face of Peugeot. It gets a 120kW 2-litre diesel engine in the front of the vehicle combined with a 28kW electric motor at the rear. This arrangement provides overall maximum power of 150kW, an electric-only mode for low speed operation, four-wheel drive when required, low fuel consumption of 3.8litres/100km (74.3mpg) and C02 emissions of 99g/km or zero in electric mode.

Porsche: The 911 GT3 R Hybrid is designed to explore the potential of hybrid drivetrains in a racing environment. The car, based on Porsche's 911 GT3 RSR, uses an advanced new electromechanical flywheel system in place of a conventional battery to provide electrical energy to a pair of 60kW motors. The two motors assist the engine, a 360kW naturally aspirated, 4-litre version of Porsche's traditional flat-six unit. Porsche's second-generation Cayenne SUV will be lighter and slightly shorter than the current model and come with a hybrid option.

Volkswagen: The new Touareg SUV is the carmaker's first showroom model to offer a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. To improve fuel economy, the new Touareg is lighter and sits lower than the current model.

Volvo: Its new S60 is aimed at rivals from BMW and Audi. It touts the S60 as a four-door coupe. Volvo reckons it can sell about 90,000 S60s a year.