What are the existing technologies to which you refer?

The GFEI is technology neutral – we have no preference for specific technologies, as long as we see significant reductions in CO2 emssions, as per the GFEI targets. We think that the 50% improvement of fuel economy can be achieved with existing technologies – so improvements of the internal combustion engine. We feel that it should be left to the industry, consumers and governments to select the technologies they prefer – which depends on may criteria including costs and operating environments (for example if green electricity is available).

However, our organizations have conducted analysis on technology potential, and reviewed other recent studies, and it seems clear that the range of existing – but not yet fully exploited – technologies has the potential to achieve the 50% target. This includes advanced gasoline and diesel engines and drive train systems, more efficient components such as tyres, better vehicle aerodynamics and weight reduction.  Some technologies, such as “stop-start”  (idle-off) systems, that are being deployed in hybrid vehicles, could be much more widely deployed in all types of new cars.  Ultimately, widespread deployment of fully hybridized vehicles will likely play an important role in achieving our targets.