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Commentary: Auto China 2008

China is a country that's been trading its bicycles for a more modern mode of transport: the car. And while modernization as a whole can be viewed as a good thing, the alarming rate of growth can also be a severe drawback. Our recent trip to Beijing for Auto China 2008 is case in point.

Audi: Electric Turbo, e-Gas & Intelligent Hybrids

Audi are developing new technologies to make cars more efficient including synthetic fuel, electric turbos and intelligent hybrids. Necessity is the mother of invention, and increasingly stringent CO2 emissions targets imposed by governments are making car makers ever more resourceful in their quest to cut emissions. The fact that CO2 emissions are not the bad guy – that’s NOx and particulate emissions – means the environmental benefits are not a panacea for a better climate, but benefits from new technology are nonetheless real.

Lexus takes Gen XY on a 'Dark Ride'

Lexus' small CT 200h hybrid won't go on sale until February, but a short online movie called Dark Ride is already promoting the vehicle and reaching out to younger buyers. Lexus and its ad agency, Skinny, aim to generate excitement among consumers 16 to 44 -- known as Gen XY. That demographic is a far cry from the median age of Lexus' owners -- 57.