BMW has announced it will do its part in the issue of climate change in the Middle East by introducing its hybrid cars to the region this year.

An X6 with both an electric motor and an eight-cylinder petrol engine will arrive on our sunny shores by the end of this year with an ‘ActiveHybrid’ badge on the rear. The system works using a two-mode active transmission that interplays between the electric motors and the engine, depending on the situation. The idea is to allow for maximum torque but a minimum use of fuel. According to BMW, the engine will use 20 per cent less fuel than a similar car. It’s also likely that a 7-Series will follow in 2010.

BMW has been using several fuel-saving technologies in its 2008 models, including: start/stop functions, brake energy regeneration and air vent control (a system used to close air vents to decrease air resistance).

Phil Horton, BMW Middle East’s managing director, said: ‘We aim to be an influential driver for environmental change and also protect the future of our company by offering innovative technologies that are in line with strict environmental standards.’

Considering the lack of environmentally friendly cars in the GCC, we’ll only know what the consensus is on petrol/electric cars in 2010. In the meantime, we’ll have to stick to making frequent trips to the petrol pumps.