Brussels, 06/03/2006 (Agence Europe) - The international federation of the motor industry (FIA) has welcomed the European Commission's initiative on smart cars (see EUROPE 9136) which, it says, corresponds to its aim of achieving a design for a safer, less fuel-guzzling and more environmentally-friendly vehicle. The public, however, has little knowledge of the research carried out by the motor industry in this respect, the FIA regrets, noting that this does not encourage manufacturers to continue their efforts in this field. The automobile federation appreciates the suggestions made by the European Commission, mainly in relation to financial matters, in order to help the motor industry design its cars of tomorrow.