Carmakers stress green at Detroit auto show

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

DETROIT, Michigan (AFP) — US and foreign automakers are pushing environmentally friendly driving to the top of their agendas as they unveil at the world's biggest motor show a range of green innovations designed woo customers.

"We need to develop alternative sources of propulsion," said General Motors chief Rick Wagoner during previews of the Detroit Motor Show which opens to the public from January 19 to January 27.

With oil prices soaring, boosting use of alternative fuels is a "business necessity and an obligation for society" in a world that consumes 1,000 barrels of oil a second, said Wagoner, who heads the biggest US automaker.

"The demand for energy around the world is growing faster than supply."

The Big Three US automakers -- GM, Ford and...