BMW, hybrids and Masdar

BMW will be bringing a hybrid version of its new and popular X6 sport activity vehicle to the UAE, the company's first electric-petrol hybrid.

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BMW will be bringing a hybrid version of its new and popular X6 sport activity vehicle to the UAE, the company's first electric-petrol hybrid. Phil Horton, managing director of BMW Group Middle East, says the X6 Active Hybrid will go on sale across the world in the fourth quarter of this year. In 2010, the 7-Series Active Hybrid, the hybrid version of its flagship saloon, will also be launched.

The X6 will use 20 percent less petrol than comparable vehicles, says Horton. These two hybrids join the Hydrogen 7, a flex-fuel, hydrogen-powered 7-Series, and the Mini E, an electric version of the Mini, as BMW's most fuel-efficient vehicles. But the German car maker is looking beyond its drivetrains when it comes to alternative and eco-friendly transportation. BMW is in talks with officials at Masdar on some sort of transportation co-operation at Masdar City. Dirk Karbun, sales director for CleanEnergy and Alternative Drive at BMW, says conversation is essential to finding solutions.

"We have learned in recent months something about the project which is interesting; it's challenging, but it suits our way of doing business," says Karbun. "Which means, not only making plans, but also looking at the bigger picture, testing and, step by step, reaching realization. Therefore, we like the idea of Masdar. "We are starting more in depth analysis, together with Masdar responsibles, how and where, with what technology and to what extent we may suit the project, ie inner city traffic solutions and commuting solutions."

* The National