Ford will claim the environmental high ground at this year's Frankfurt motor show, where it will launch a Focus with class-leading carbon dioxide emissions.

The 106bhp 1.6-litre diesel-engined Ford Focus ECOnetic will emit 115g/km of carbon dioxide - that's 12g/km less than the standard car with the same engine.

This figure trumps Volkswagen's Golf Bluemotion, which emits 119g/km and which is also being shown at Frankfurt alongside five other Bluemotion models.

Ford has achieved these low emissions through a combination of improved aerodynamics, low-resistance tyres and a special low-friction oil in the transmission.

The Ford Focus ECOnetic will be on sale by the end of this year and delivered by early 2008.

Ford plans to launch a range of ECOnetic models in 2008, with full details expected to be revealed at Frankfurt.

Ford is also planning to extend its Flexifuel range. The Focus and C-Max can already run on a blend of 85% bioethanol and 15% petrol known as E85, and the new Mondeo, Galaxy and S-Max will be added to the range in early 2008.

Source: [url=http://www.trucktrend.com/multimedia/wallpaper/163_0708_2008_ford_expedition_photo_gallery/]TruckTrend Magazine[/url]