Green, we are all becoming green, we recycle more and turn down the heating or AC (a bit), and now even the motor manufacturers are becoming aware that they can make money out of it or even stay in business long term.

That may be a cynical way of viewing this important subject but it has taken a long time to become top of the major manufacturers agenda. Obviously some are further advanced than others but they are getting their acts together starting with revamps of existing models to lower emissions and extract more miles per gallon.

I must say I am mystified as to why economy has not been a priority before now but with low gas prices until recently being the norm it has taken the hikes in gas prices to the $4 level and beyond to really shake the whole industry up including the people who drive cars and use gas everyday.

Economy and emissions are now at the forefront of thinking with government initiatives to incentivize the manufacturers having a beneficial effect and new greener cars are being announced on a regular basis which is set to accelerate.

Some technologies are easier to introduce than others and the ultimate goal of insignificant fuel costs and zero emissions is still a long way off.  The technology is here with Hondas FCX Clarity fuel cell car which runs on hydrogen and produces water as a by product, however, its use requires the ability to refuel with hydrogen and a network of refueling stations but this is some way off yet.  Electricity is here now and there are a range of electric cars available, the problem being battery technology which precludes their use for long journeys with recharging taking several hours.

Which all leaves the current option for general use, that of the existing fossil fuels and their development to wring out the last drop of fuel and save the last gram of CO2.