India's car makers studying alternative fuel options

Indian vehicle makers are joining the global race to produce less-polluting greener vehicles, teaming up with international firms and spending money on research that could result in commercially viable technologies quickly. Petrol and diesel fuel are used overwhelmingly in passenger and commercial vehicles in India, with cleaner-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) gaining in popularity but curtailed by their limited availability. India is encouraging the use of biofuels like ethanol, made from renewable resources, for greater energy security and emission reduction, but it is dragging its feet on legislation. Still, firms from top vehicle maker Tata Motors Ltd. to tiny electric carmaker Reva are testing options from biodiesel to hybrids, encouraged by growing demand. (August 10, 2007)