BMW have confirmed production of their first hybrid saloon car for the UK in 2011.   A 5-series saloon with a straight six petrol engine and able to run on electric power only.

The car will be fitted with a 40kW/52bhp electric motor cleverly fitter between the engine and the 8-speed transmission. This hybrid solution enable the car to reduce CO2 by 10 percent. It also offers an intelligent solution using satnav to predict road obstructions to enable battery longevity.BMW already sell ActiveHybrid X6 and 7-series hybrids abroad so this will be the first to make it to the British consumer.

The BMW boss Norbert Reithofer has also now confirmed the launch of a 3-series hybrid as part of its further determination to reduce the BMW range emissions.

Japan has been the main reason due to the massive impact of sales on hybrid cars in their market, buyers will only consider brands with hybrids in their range. BMW is targetting a 25 percent reduction in CO2 across the range by 2010.