The British Midlands Development Corporation announced the launch of a new eco-friendly car, whose combination of reduced weight and excellent dynamics dramatically improves mileage and emissions from conventional fuels.

Axon Automotive, based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, UK, aims to be the most sustainable car manufacturer in Europe. Their new compact car will be capable of delivering 80 miles per gallon with sub-120g per mile CO2 emissions, while still capable of a top speed of 90 mph.

The compact car features a carbon fiber body to create a lightweight vehicle that combines good performance with fuel efficiency that is better than any car currently on the market.

The company has patented a mass-production technique to make a range of structural elements and body panels from carbon composites. The products are made from carbon fiber "ropes" each braided over a foam core and infused with epoxy resin and are as strong as steel, with only 40 per cent of the weight.

Steve Cousins, Managing Director of Axon, said: "This approach halves fuel consumption whichever fuel you use and we get phenomenal economy from a small petrol engine combined with an IVT (infinitely variable transmission)."

"From a consumer's viewpoint, a small petrol engine is both low cost and a familiar technology, making it easier to maintain."

The Axon car is a multipurpose vehicle built for two adults and two children.

"The British Midlands is known for being one of the major hubs of the European automotive industry," said Vern Sebby, President and CEO of British Midlands Development Corporation, "The region is known for high-performance automotive innovation and for its excellent academic infrastructure."

Home to Toyota, Jaguar, Land Rover, and AstonMartin, the Midlands produces over 40% of the UK vehicle output. The region is a world leader in a number of specific growth areas, including the adoption of aluminum bodies, the development of telematics and satellite navigation based applications and the expanding market for low-volume premium vehicles.