It might be easy to say the world's auto makers are all over the map with regard to fuel- and emissions-reducing technology.
There are many specific initiatives, but they all spring from the same basic camps. A brief analysis of major auto makers' “green” technology:
GM
Top prospect: Burgeoning hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) lineup that incorporates low-tech, low-cost belt-driven alternator technology and pending “2-mode” HEV transmission — being developed in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler and BMW — that has Toyota-trouncing potential.
Longshot: Continuing hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (FCV) research about which there has been little fresh discussion. Recently announced ethanol (E85) initiative replete with corny advertising campaign.
Ford
Top prospect: A promised fleet of 250,000 HEVs by 2010, but still could get caught lagging in the HEV technology race. There are rumors it may join GM 2-mode HEV development joint venture (see above).
Longshot: Flashy E85 push as myopic as GM's. Research into hydraulic hybrids.
DaimlerChrysler/Chrysler Group
Top prospect: Last year joined GM-led joint-development of “2-mode” HEV transmission. DC's European masters are known to dislike HEV solution, however.
Battling for budget: Mercedes-Benz unit's plan to make BlueTec “clean” diesel a worldwide phenomenon, but faces cost and perception issues, particularly in U.S.
BMW
Top prospect: Tossup between participation in GM-led HEV development joint venture and escalating diesel developments. New diesels are spectacular.
Longshot: BMW for years has tinkered with hydrogen-fueled internal-combustion engines. Ongoing demonstrations have produced little traction.
PSA Peugeot Citroen
Top prospect: Recently unveiled diesel HEVs that it says can be markedly more fuel-efficient than current gasoline-engine jobs.
Longshot: French auto makers have a long tradition with battery electric vehicles. Continuing battery research could finally yield a viable electric car.
Porsche
Top prospect: Plans to get into the HEV game with somebody else's technology. Toyota used to be the likely partner, but the GM/DC/BMW development triumvirate is a distinct possibility.
Volkswagen
Top Prospect: Diesel, but may have to play the HEV card if HEV technology remains strong in the U.S.
Toyota
Top Prospect: HEVs, of course. But unless the technology — and its price — can be improved to match original promise, Toyota could face a backlash.
Honda
Top prospect: HEVs, but lagging Toyota's PR lead. This engineering-obsessed company could close the gap.
Longshot: Has made new noise about diesel, at least for the U.S. And continuing FCV research appears promising.
Nissan
Top prospect: Styling. To now, great sheet metal has meant nobody cares about environmental credentials. Grudgingly launching HEV Altima (using Toyota componentry) later this year.
Longshot: Staying on the sidelines long enough to make sense of it all.
Subaru
Top prospect: Unique HEV using proprietary lithium-ion batteries and, eventually, Li-ion capacitors. Launching in Japan in 2007.