The green automotive sector took big steps forward around the world today, highlighting the seismic shift in emphasis by carmakers away from gas guzzlers.

First, Ford turned on new production lines at its plant in Cleveland, Ohio, to start its new EcoBoost engine.

The opening was hailed as the dawn of a new era for the plant which had been closed for more than two years as Ford suffered from the decline in demand for big engines.

The EcoBoost is a petrol engine with technology which is said to increase fuel efficiency by 15%.

Meanwhile, Toyota started selling its next generation Prius hybrid petrol-electric car in Japan as it bids to keep ahead of rivals who are now coming into the market for fuel-efficient engines.

The revamped car is a more powerful version of the current model which has been a massive seller.

It has solar cells in the roof that power its ventilation system. Toyota aims to sell 400,000 of the new range around the world every year.

Separately, Nissan said its orders were up 30% in Japan this month thanks to new tax incentives for low-emission cars.

Nissan now has 15 vehicles in the country that are eligible for green tax breaks, including a new Vanette small van, which was launched today.