German's to jump on the eco bandwagon

In recent years it has been the Japanese that have been pushing the green agenda, with Toyota's ever-popular hybrid the Prius and the newly launched Leaf from Nissan. Not ones to be left behind, German car manufacturers have pledged to create a million electric cars over the next ten years.

The German government, in conjunction with auto-makers such as BMW and VW have decided to spend their cash for cars with increased green credentials, planning to reinvent themselves as the leading providers in eco technology.

The National Platform for Electric Mobility aims to dramatically increase German electric car production by 2020, combining German quality and style with eco friendly platforms.

Planned electric cars include BMW's Megacity car, which according to Top Gear, will be comprised of a carbon fibre body and is to be launched at the London 2012 Olympics. VW is set to produce a hot-hatch electric Golf, reportedly reaching 0-60 in 12 seconds. Not  to be left in the dark, Mercedes are rumoured to be planning to manufacture their Smart brand and A Class in an electric format.

In addition to fully electric cars, VW and Audi are to be creating various hybrid models that can go that little bit further than their electric counterparts, such as the hybrid Golf and A1.

An influx of German electric cars will be expected from 2013 onwards, giving the Japanese something to worry about and providing car buyers with increased choice.

Chief executive of BMW AMG Nobert Reithofer commented on the substantial plans saying that Germany was in a prime position to be at the forefront of eco car technology. Reithofer said: ''To make this happen, our leaders in politics and industry have to be pulling in the same direction.''

 

 

James Mason, Bristol, Vauxhall Corsa

Francesca Armstrong, Brentwood, Vauxhall Agila