This year's British International Motor Show, which opens to the public today at London's ExCel arena, is hosting the largest gathering of cars and car makers in the UK. The Show includes a dedicated area showcasing the future of green driving, including new technologies and the unveiling of the latest green cars.

The `Greener Driving Pavilion` is run in association with the government's ACT ON CO2 campaign, and is a first at The British International Motor Show. The Pavilion features interactive displays, vehicle cutaways, simulators, and a range of exciting new environmental automotive technologies, including fuel cells, electric vehicles and hybrids.

Legendary brands and regulars at the Show, such as Ferrari and Maserati, are joined by new electric vehicle specialists such as Quiet Cars, TH!NK and Tesla, who are making their first appearance at the ExCel waterside venue.

The show features concept cars, such as the Lotus Eco-Elise, which has been manufactured from sustainable materials such as hemp, eco-friendly wool and sisal, and developed through environmentally sensitive production methods. The car is 32kg lighter than the standard Elise, which Lotus claim allows it to achieve greater fuel-economy and increased performance.

The dramatically-styled Citroën C-Cactus concept car is also at the exhibition. The car features a diesel hybrid engine which returns over 80mpg, and emissions are limited by the diesel particulate filter system. The car's weight and environmental impact are reduced by an innovative approach to vehicle specification, including the decision to do away with a conventional dashboard and bonnet.

There are a number of hydrogen powered cars which are being shown in the UK for the first time. These include; the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car production of which began last month in Japan; Morgan's LIFECar, a hydrogen-powered sportscar, with an aluminium body and sculpted wooden seats; and the Saab 9-X BioHybrid, which runs a 1.4-litre turbo engine, produces just 105g/km of CO2, and features a solar cell in the glass roof.

The pavilion will also include various hybrid vehicles. The Honda Civic hybrid will be on display, featuring a 1.3 litre petrol engine combined with an on-board battery, providing a combined mpg of 65 and CO2 emission of 109 g/km; and the complete range of Lexus hybrid power models: the RX 400h SUV, GS450h executive saloon and LS 600h limousine.

Furthermore, Saab are launching the 9-5 2.3 turbo which will go on sale in the UK later this year. The car runs on an 85% bioethanol/15% petrol mix, which increases power by 14%, as well as reducing CO2 emissions.

In addition to the showcase of technological innovations, the motor show also provides the launch pad for the new generation of cleaner everyday cars. With a strong focus on fuel economy at this year's show, and after the successful launch of the Ford Focus ECOnetic - winner of WhatGreenCar? Car of the Year Awards 2008 - Ford are expected to show the equivalent versions of the Fiesta and Mondeo. Ford claims the Fiesta, which emits fewer than 100 g/km of CO2, offers the cleanest emissions figures and best fuel economy of any four cylinder, four-seat car currently on sale.

Seat are showcasing for the first time the low emission versions of their Leon and Alhambra, following on from the successful launch of the Ibiza Ecomotive which saw the fuel economy of the vehicle rise to 74mpg, and its CO2 emissions drop to 99 g/km.

A version of the newest Mini Cooper D is also at the Show, which utilises BMW's EfficientDynamics technologies including; a stop-start function to cut the engine at standstill, an intelligent alternator which charges the battery under coasting or braking, and a gearshift indicator which advises on when to change up in order to maximise fuel efficiency.

Visitors to the Greener Driving Pavilion are also in with a chance of winning a new Mazda2 supermini, courtesy of The Co-operative Insurance. The Mazda2 is one of the greenest, most fuel efficient cars in its class, helped by being over 100kg lighter than its predecessor.

In all, the show features over 60 vehicle marques and 600 new cars, a significant proportion of which boast `green` credentials. The Show also includes a host of interactive features to keep crowds entertained, including: The Heritage Enclosure and Parade, showcasing supercars from the last five decades; the Kidz Car Zone; a Drift School, giving visitors the chance to be driven sideways around a demanding circuit by professional drivers; The Autoglym Supercar Paddock, a high-octane collection of luxury marques; The 4x4 Experience, a challenging terrain for testing the best of the off-road pack; a thrilling live-action stunt show; and a live music festival with bands including Blondie and Meat Loaf.

Also at the Show are the British Marine Federation’s `Marine Experience` bringing a little glamour with a line-up of luxury craft and a programme of on-water entertainment. On show are the Earthrace, the wave-piercing trimaran, following her attempted record breaking circumnavigation of the globe. The boat runs on 100% biodiesel, and is promoting the use of greener fuel in the boating industry.

Around 500,000 people are expected to attend the show, which runs until Sunday 3rd August. Tickets start at just £10 for an adult weekday pass and £6 for a child, and are available through the Show’s website at British Motor Show or by calling 0871 230 5588.