The technology has been developed to show that significant fuel economy and emission breakthroughs can be achieved with conventional engines, without needing to turn to alternative technology.

Christian Blank, director of European Fleet Operations, said: ‘Research tells us that only 10% of new cars sold in 2020 will be fully electric. So we believe that the strategy we are pursuing is the right one – first launching breakthrough technologies for gasoline and diesel engines while continuing to work on hybrid and electric vehicles as well as hydrogen-powered models.’

Highlights of the new technology include a new-generation SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine efficiency that delivers a 15% increase in fuel economy and torque as well as SKYACTIV-D diesel engine technology that delivers a 20% fuel economy improvement thanks to the world’s lowest diesel-engine compression ratio.

For fleet operators and company car drivers the technology will offer reduced whole-life costs, lower fuel bills and tax savings.

‘The technology delivers a winning combination of cost-effective motoring and excellent environmental performance with no compromise in driving dynamics. This will enable our cars to reach the top quartile of our competitor set in terms of residual values and further extend our European fleet customer base,’ said Mr Blank.

Fleets will be able to sample the full range of SKYACTIV technology for the first time on Mazda’s new compact crossover SUV, the CX-5, which will make its world debut at September’s Frankfurt International Motor Show before going on sale from the beginning of 2012.