SCIENTISTS at QinetiQ Malvern are helping to produce the next generation of more environmentally friendly cars.

The results of their work could be mass produced and seen on the streets within four to eight years, under an ambitious challenge set by the Government.

The Department of Transport has announced that it is splitting a £10 million fund to support the creation of a low carbon, fuel-efficient family car between five consortia of companies.

QinetiQ Malvern is working alongside engineering and technology firm Ricardo UK Ltd and Peugeot Citroen Automobiles in one of the five consortia.

Its share of the fund money will be used to develop a demonstration vehicle capable of travelling 1,000 miles between fuel refills, achieving 80 miles per gallon and meeting new carbon emissions standards.

QinetiQ spokesman Steven Farmer said: "Our role will concentrate on the supply and modification of vehicle batteries, a subject which we have been involved with in the military area for some time, so the project will be like a continuation of our past work.

"We are extremely pleased to be part of this programme, as our technology is still fairly new in the civil vehicle industry, this is our first success in the area."

The New Vehicle Technology project falls in line with the Government strategy to promote low carbon vehicles and fuels in the UK. It is hoped that by 2012 one in ten cars will be low carbon.