In recent years the push to go green has gained momentum and new technologies are being introduced all the time. Some years ago I came across an amazing new concept car called the Aircar developed by a french mechanical engineer named Guy Negre of MDI. Instead of gas combustion the car uses compressed air as a fuel source. It will use a small gas powered on board air compressor to supply a never ending amount of air pressure.

Cars that run on compressed air sound like a fantastic idea on paper, but bringing this technology to the masses has proven, well, a difficult road to travel. There's some positive news on the air-car front though - auto giant Tata Motors, which holds the license to develop Motor Development International's (MDI) air engine technology in India, has announced that it has completed the proof of the technical concept and demonstration phase of its air-car program and is now moving toward a market ready product.

The most promising push to market appears to be the ongoing agreement between MDI and Tata motors. In 2007 Tata licensed MDI's technology with the aim of producing and selling compressed air cars in India. Tata has now released a statement that, although no firm time frame is given, suggests that the project is heading in the right direction.

Tata says that the first "proof of the technical concept" phase of the program is now complete with "the compressed air engine concept having been demonstrated in two Tata Motors vehicles."

Phase two, which involves, "completing detailed development of the compressed air engine into specific vehicle and stationary applications," is now underway and, "the two companies are working together to complete detailed development of the technology and required technical processes to industrialize a market ready product application over the coming years." There seems to be no end in sight for higher gas prices. So I'm sure we'll all be standing in line to purchase one when they hit the showroom floor.