For every 10 percent decrease of vehicle weight there is a 5 percent increase in fuel efficiency.

Big Three likely to see sales decline of gas guzzlers, while Toyota's subcompact Yaris and Corolla compact, which are already among the top five selling cars in Canada, will receive $1,000 rebates under the federal program. New buyers of the Prius and Camry hybrids will get $2,000 and $1,500 respectively.

The recharging point which goes live today has been installed at 152 Royal College Street, Camden Town, London, utilising the premises of Electrip who also stock electric bikes and scooters.

At a hybrid car factory, the president urges reducing gasoline use, but critics say his efforts fail to lower emissions.

The congressman, whose district includes the headquarters of DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group and several major auto suppliers, has criticized President Bush's proposal to raise federal fuel economy standards for new passenger vehicles.

'Effective energy policy requires a long-sighted plan that combats global warming, encourages market-based economic growth and reduces our country's dependence on oil.'

Congressional Democrats and environmental groups have new allies in the fight to mandate higher vehicle mileage, including a coalition of business executives and retired military leaders.

The track records of similar programs in Europe and Southern California are mixed.

The factories Bush visited yesterday are among those affected by recent job cuts as GM, Ford and Chrysler attempt to stem losses that totaled $16 billion last year. Photo credit: Ford Motor Co.

The two buses co-developed by IC Corp and Enova are powered by a conventional diesel V8 internal combustion engine and an 80 kW electric motor are expected to improve fuel efficiency by as much as 100 percent while reducing greenhouse emissions by up to 90 percent.