Energy and motoring experts from across the world are converging on a western Indian city to participate in an international conference on fuel economy and sustainable road transport.

The event, titled "Innovations in Fuel Economy And Sustainable Road Transport," is being held in Pune in the state of Maharashtra. Organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the conference aims to explore the challenges of maximising fuel economy at lesser costs, alongside the latest low-cost technology. The two-day event will come to a close this evening.

The first ever IMechE event to be run outside the UK will see senior industry representatives discuss the latest innovations in low-carbon technology sustainability for road transport that can help achieve stringent emissions standards and continual improvements in fuel economy efficiency.

Overall, the conference aims to draw up a long-term plan to maximise powertrain performance for a low carbon agenda and comprehend the latest advancements in alternative fuels. The organisers also hope to set up an ideal, standard platform for the implementation and development of electric vehicles and also for incorporating recent innovations in hybrid vehicle technology.

The automotive industry in India is one of the largest in the world and is responsible for one of the world's fastest growing passenger car markets, according to the IMechE.
Professor Peter White, chairman of the automobile division of IMechE, said: "India is one of the major growth markets, alongside China and South America, for road transport. In parallel with this are the external pressures of fuel price rises and global warming."

"This is therefore a propitious time to be looking at the technologies, powertrains and alternative fuels that will ensure the growth of road transport in India is economic and sustainable without increasing global warming."

China India