PSA Peugeot Citroen has yet to put a price on equipment that automatically stops the engine while stationary and starts them again when the accelerator is pressed.

But group executives believe demand for stop-start systems will be strong as fleet operators recognise their cost-effectiveness.

A spokesman said: 'We aim to make this first level of hybrid technology available on a large scale because it reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 8%.'

'When you consider that traffic in city centres can be at standstill for 35% of the time, stop-start can also make a significant contribution to reducing noise levels.'

The French group is also developing a new electronically-assisted manual transmission that it claims will boost economy by 5%.

Called MCP and due in production next year, the six-speed gearbox will provide drivers of the larger Peugeot and Citroen cars with the choice of assisted manual changes or fully automatic mode.

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