Automakers to renew low-emissions pledge

FRANKFURT. The world’s automakers will make new efforts to win customers over with more environmentally friendly cars at the Frankfurt Auto Show this week as they tout new vehicles with hybrid propulsion and more advanced, cleaner engines.

The show, which runs from Sept. 13-23, will reflect concerns about high gas prices, fuel efficiency and global warming by putting green products and technologies front and center: lower-emission diesels, new hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells — some market-ready, others as concepts.

Auto industry green expert Ted Grozier said the show will see the industry keep up its efforts to reduce its reliance on gas-guzzling larger vehicles.

“The conventional wisdom is that the U.S. will go hybrid and in Europe the diesel is being challenged,” said Grozier of Green Order, a New York-based advisory group that counts General Motors Corp., among others, as clients for its advice on how to make cars cleaner.

“This may be a pivotal year for the industry in the battle for greener cars and the gloves have come off,” he said.

BMW AG, Porsche AG, Volkswagen AG and DaimlerChrysler AG will all be showing cars with low-emission diesel engines, hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell concepts that BMW is researching. All of it is part of the effort to make high-mileage, cleaner cars that also meet drivers’ expectations for performance.

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