THE motor industry has been steadily improving emission rates for almost a decade.

Since the removal of leaded fuel from petrol stations throughout the EU in January 2000, there is still some way to go in developing the ideal motor for the perfect fuel, widely acknowledged by the industry to be hydrogen.

John Pitts, environmental manager at Volvo explained that although hydrogen was undoubtedly an excellent long-term option, it was not viable as a short-term solution.

He said: "I would say that there is no single perfect fuel in fact, you can power a car on almost anything. The future is about having a number of alternatives that can work side by side. We need to work hand-in-glove with government to encourage fuel companies to invest in infrastructure. Co-operation is the key.

"There are so many myths about hydrogen being the answer to our prayers, but I would say that hydrogen is unlikely to be a realistic alternative for another 10 years. Until then there are several options that significantly reduce emissions and will help us to achieve the government's targets."

Reducing the impact of motor vehicles on the environment does not stop at emissions. Considerations such as noise and the harmful side-effects of some manufacturing processes like painting should not be ignored.

Land Rover has ensured its working practices are as eco-friendly as possible by investing in a water-based paintshop, using recycled power and more recyclable materials in manufacturing.

Since the official implementation of the End of Life Vehicles directive, manufacturers have also been ensuring that their vehicles are 85 per cent recycled by 2002, working towards a final target of 95 per cent by 2015.

Some manufacturers have been taking this target into consideration since the 1990s with materials such as aluminium being used in place of heavy metals, lead and mercury where possible.

As changes in the climate become more apparent, governments and manufacturers are increasingly working closer to achieve their objectives for cleaner air, but for truly successful results there must be a shift in focus to the consumer.