Prof. C.C. Chan, president of the World Electronic Vehicle Association and head of the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Hongkong said here the electronic vehicles have a bright future in the world in the next millennium.

Addressing an international symposium on 'automotive electronics and alternate vehicles' at IIT, on Friday, Prof Chan also stressed that the success of eco-friendly vehicles operation will require the policy support of the government in the respective countries.

Prof Chan said free flow of the information with the rapid scientific development has brought the people of the world together adding "now we people are the world citizens . . as a world citizen, we should realise our duty to make the world free from the pollution "He said 21st century will be the environmental century. One of the pressing needs of the time is an alternative clean, efficient, intelligent and environmentally friendly urban transport system.

According to him, electronic vehicles offer a solution for improving air quality, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy efficiency. Electronic vehicles in more than just another means of transportation has the potential to have a great impact on energy, environment and transportation as well as high technology promotion, new industry creation and economic development.

Mrs. Padamshree Warrior, vice president and director, Motorola Semi Conductor product sector Austin, U.S.A also giving her key note address at the symposium, emphasised the impact of the automobile industry on the modern society and motorolas commitment to the transport industry.

Earlier, M.S. Padmashree Warrior, inaugurated the exhibition of the vehicles at the IIT campus. There were about 40 exhibitors from all over the country and abroad demonstrating products.

Prof. K.A. Padmanabhan, director IIT Kanpur, emphasised the relevance of the international conference on this issue.

Mr. D.K. Singania, managing director of LML Limited, explained the importance of automobile industry and the problems faced by it. He said automotive industry plays a key role in the economic development of a society.

The availability of fuel efficient, safe and pollution-free transport is an index of the health of a developed country.