This exceptional achievement demonstrates that by combining several workable, real-world technologies, it is possible to reduce CO₂ emissions to remarkably low levels for a mid-sized passenger car.

Hybride HDi technology combines a 1.6-litre HDi engine with a diesel particulate filter system (DPFS) and an electric motor, inverter, high-voltage battery pack and dedicated control electronics. The car is also equipped with an electronically managed manual gearbox and a Stop & Start system. Together, these technologies deliver all the advantages of a diesel engine in both city and highway driving, as well as the benefits of an electric powertrain, particularly in urban areas and stop and start traffic.

The virtue of biodiesel is that it is produced from atmospheric carbon dioxide via photosynthesis in plants. As a result, burning renewable biofuels does not release any CO₂ originating from fossil fuels.

Progress in reducing automotive greenhouse gas emissions will be led by a combination of closely related technologies that leverage highly energy-efficient internal combustion engines, supported by hybrid systems and biofuels.

To illustrate how this approach could be applied to a dramatically styled executive passenger car equipped with the latest technology, PSA Peugeot Citroën will also utilise the Citroën C-Métisse, a prestigious Hybride HDi concept car with electric motors on the rear wheels.