| New Technology | First Retro-Fit Hybrid System On Sale | Connaught HYBRID + |

The team behind the Connaught Type-D sports coupé, first revealed at the 2004 Goodwood Revival Meeting, has developed a retro-fit hybrid engine attachment available for both petrol and diesel engines, which can apparently increase fuel economy by 25 percent as well as lowering CO₂ emissions by up to a quarter.

Called HYBRID + and similar to the system used by Toyota for its hybrid race car, the Supra HV-R, Connaught saw fit to use super capacitors together with a regenerative braking system. The lack of a battery pack eradicates the problems of safe disposal and also saves weight - vital to increasing fuel economy.

Connaught's mentality echoes the fast-growing realisation that the motoring industry has to move forward to more eco-friendly solutions. Its own HYBRID + system has followed research and design development into an array of hybrid technologies, from battery packs to constructing lightweight materials used in such technology. As a result, HYBRID + boasts the flexibility of being ideal for most light commercial vehicles such as buses, taxis and SUVs.

Tesco is the first company to utilise HYBRID +, fitting it to seven Ford Transits on a trial period of six months. If deemed a success the supermarket chain could well convert to Connaught's Hybrid + across its entire Transit fleet over time. The obvious payback for Tesco would be a reduced carbon footprint along with lower fuel cost expenditure.

Tony Martindale, CEO of Connaught Engineering said that "the company was delighted that Tesco had taken the decision to hybridise their home delivery fleet with the Connaught HYBRID + system which is unique in that it is the only retro fit hybrid technology available anywhere in the world."

Kyle Molyneux - 24 Jul 2007