Car 'to run on compressed air'

Plans to build a car which runs on compressed air are said to be underway after Indian carmaker Tata Motors struck a deal with French firm MDI.

The joint venture could see the development of a vehicle which runs on air – although a potential date as to when the car may be available has not yet been suggested.

If the car comes to fruition, it will emit no carbon emissions and is being designed to help reduce pollution in overpopulated cities where it is a major problem.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Ravi Kant, Tata Motors' managing director, said: "It's a very exciting concept, this way of running a car. We hope something will come out of it."

Next month, Tata Motors will be heading to the Geneva Motor show with its five door Nano – named at its unveiling in January as the cheapest car in the world.

Costing just £1,280, the Nano aims to be accessible to all and help families in developing countries travel more safely.