Old television shows and movies predicted that future cars would fly (remember the Jetsons?). It seems for now, the new wave of car technology is instead aimed at making vehicles an environmentally-friendly shade of green. The Geneva auto show, held over the past week, saw major auto players unveiling their versions of fuel efficient models. Now manufacturers such as Lamborghini and Hummer, known for their grossly overpriced expensive vehicles, are trying to keep pace with smaller, more affordable units.

Some of the other eco-friendly highlights from the auto show include:

- Toyota introduced their three-meter long iQ, the world's smallest four-passenger car, and hopes to have it on the market by the end of 2008.

- The $2500 Tata Nano is knowns as the "people's car" in India because of its attractive price point. As the most cost-efficient four-seat car on the market, it is expected to be an export hit.

- BYD Co Ltd, based in China, is hoping their F3 DM (dual mode) will provide some competition for electric cars produced by Toyota and GM.

There are other manufacturers who are aiming to go beyond the standar fuel-efficient vehicles on the market and have introduced concepts that are less than conventional.

- The Pivo concept car by Nissan is electric, but it also features a bubble-shaped design and a cockpit that spins, making the process of backing up a thing of the past.

- Swiss auto maker Rinspeed also has an electric concept car in the works. The sQuba is a two-seater than can drive underwater. The catch? Rinspeed has an open roof, meaning you may not want to spend hours perfectly coiffing your 'do. Nor is it recommended you take a shorcut through a lake without first obtaining approval from your date.

- The LifeCar by Morgan, features a hidden pollution-free hydrogen fuel cell and the open roadster style the British manufacturers are famous for.

The Geneva autho show demonstrates that green vehicles have become the rule in the auto industry, rather than the exception. What once seemed like a far-fetched concept now has automobile heavy-hitters jostling for a place in the market and environmental groups such as Greenpeace say it's about time.

"For a century the car industry has sold us a dream of faster, bigger, heavier automobiles," campaigner Helen Perivier said. "The climate crisis means the new century requires a new dream of cars."

» Reuters Environment