ford Motor Company and the us oil giant Mobil have announced a collaboration to improve fuel economy and cut emissions from cars through new technology. Mobil chairperson Lucio Noto and Ford chairperson Alex Trotman said that their strategic alliance has been aimed at launching initiatives that could lead to major advancements in automotive fuel and powertrain technology, apart from a wider market for alternative-fuel vehicles.

The developments could bring big gains in vehicle fuel efficiency and substantial reductions in emissions. This Ford-Mobil partnership mirrors one announced last month by General Motors and Amoco, another us oil giant. They also committed themselves to developing an advanced diesel combustion engine and fuel system. Noto said the tie-up with Ford "offers great potential to develop new hydrocarbon-based fuels and power sources that could be of significant benefit to the public as well as the environment.' Mobil and Ford have worked jointly for years. In the recent months, technical teams from both companies have been meeting on all subjects involved in the alliance.