Carmakers take fuel tech out for a spin (photos)

SAN JOSE, Calif.--Alternative-fuel cars are coming of age, and some of the latest technologies coming into production were on display yesterday at the "Future Cars, Future Technology" event at Club Auto Sport in San Jose, Calif.

The symposium, which included panel discussions and auto industry speakers, focused on electric, hybrid, and natural-gas vehicles, which are increasingly making their way to U.S. markets.

The Mercedes ML350, seen here, is a so-called clean diesel vehicle which features the Bluetec system, reducing smog-causing nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and water vapor. The vehicle, with 240 horsepower, gets better gas mileage on the highway than some 4-cylinders and hybrids, says the carmaker, and it has a cruising range of over 600 miles.

The Mercedes ML350 is currently available nationwide.