New hydraulic hybrid technology developed by EPA and Ford.

Hydraulic hybrids also improve engine operation overall and vehicle acceleration by working in tandem with the primary engine.

The EPA's demonstration vehicle showed improved fuel economy by up to 55%, with a projected $600 increase in vehicle cost due to the hydraulic hybrid system.

According to their calculations, the initial cost of this system will be quickly recouped by the lower fuel and maintenance costs.

In its efforts to commercialise the technology EPA has also formed partnerships with Eaton Corporation, Parker Hannifin, SHEP technologies, the US Army, FEV Engine Technology, Michigan State University, Ricardo Inc., Southwest Research Institute and the University of Wisconsin.

All this will lead to a next generation of more efficient SUV's and pickup trucks. In America, SUVs are often the target of environmental lobbyists as they are labelled 'gas guzzling' vehicles which are not restricted to the same fuel economy regulations other vehicles on the road are subject to.

America's federal corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards set the fuel economy goals for new passenger cars at 27.5 miles per gallon (mpg).

SUVs, which are considered as light trucks not cars, only have to achieve an average of 20.7 mpg, but as the light truck economy goal is set as an average across the entire board of light trucks, some SUVs are known to achieve as little as 12 mpg.

In launching its new line of F-350's Ford recently teamed up with Tonka to develop a powerful and enormous concept truck that featured a HLA system incorporated in its powertrain.

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