Lower-emission vehicles take front seat

DESIGNS for a carbon-conscious world took front place as car makers revealed their latest high-tech models at the Paris auto show, hoping for rebound in a struggling car market.

Hybrids and other fuel-efficient, lower-emission vehicles took front seat.

Innovations included Renault’s DeZir, a small, sporty concept car, and its ZE – for “zero emissions” – line, and the single-platform Ford Focus.