Global warming concerns have accelerated the need to reduce greenhouse gases. Every industry sector that contributes to the generation of CO{sub}2 emissions will be affected by both public and governmental mandates. Significant legislation is already in place in most of the world, with additional greenhouse gas reduction regulations expected. There are several strategies being looked at for carbon emission reductions. One major approach affecting the transportation industry is the improvement of tailpipe emissions and propulsion efficiencies (roughly 25 % of all CO{sub}2 emissions). This challenge is compounded by achieving the right balance of cost, function, comfort and safety within the expectations and regulations of the various customer segments and regions that exist worldwide. For example, within emerging markets with a large number of first-time buyers, such as China and India, there are unique customer drivers that are not present in the more mature markets such as Europe and North America.
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