High-Performance, Low-Pollution: German Cars Go Green

German cars are renowned for their engineering, luxury and performance, but with gas prices soaring, CO2 emissions building and car sales slumping, when the German brands talk about their new "green" approach, people listen.

Porsche and BMW are rolling out gas/electric hybrid cars, and Daimler's Mercedes line is going green ... Its popular Smart Car will be outfitted with a lithium-ion battery, the sort used in laptops and cell phones.

"I think it's really feasible, if the world wants to change to zero emission." - Christian Mordieck, Daimler alternative-energy official