Frankfurt: what does green really mean? - Hybrids

So why the rush to adopt hybrid technology? You need look no further than German giants Mercedes-Benz and BMW for answers.

Fearful that the European Union will soon pass regulations limiting manufacturers to average new-car emissions of 130g/km of carbon dioxide, they are desperate to reduce emissions.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled a vast array of greener models, tucking its hybrid launches into its 2009 schedule with the ML450 and S400.

Meanwhile, BMW also pledged its allegiance to hybrid systems, saying that the new X6 will feature the technology from 2009, with the whole model range adopting hybrid engine choices from the start of the next decade.

However, it's not just legislation that is driving the move, but also changing demands from consumers.

Research clearly points to us wanting greener cars, but not at the cost of practicality and performance. As a result, the car industry must use innovation to meet demand.

Toyota, Honda and Lexus may be the only companies with hybrid models available now, but with predicted sales of 30 million cars in the sector over the next decade, it's clear why every manufacturer wants a slice of the action.