Every JCB department has been set ambitious fuel saving targets in a bid to save plant owners and operators thousands a year.

The firm showed its most energy efficient backhoe loader at ConExpo in Las Vegas today with the Eco Backhoe designed to cut fuel costs by 16% saving an average of £1,250 per machine every year.

JCB group managing director for product development and commercial operations Tim Brunhope told the Enquirer that the latest fuel savings were just the start of an ambitious development programme.

He said: “I can’t talk in percentage terms but we have fairly hefty targets for fuel efficiency in the period to 2015 and beyond.

“Every operation director has targets and we are hoping to have a real impact where it matters in the pockets of our customers.”

The firm has also launched an iPhone app which shows customers how much they can save in running costs with JCB kit.

JCB also confirmed its latest results for 2010 with a 48% increase in group turnover to £2bn as the firm sold 51,600 machines worldwide compared to 36,000 in 2009.

The firm is building a new factory in Brazil and a plant in India producing the Diselmax engines outside of the UK for the first time.

ConExpo witnessed a raft of new models from JCB including the first in a new range of 18 skidsteers, the ICX tracked backhoe loader and the Workmax 800 D 4×4 utility vehicle.

Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said: “One thing that sets us apart as a privately-owned, family firm is that we take a long-term view and can make decisions quickly.

“Last year saw a welcomed return to growth for JCB, with an increase in our worldwide sales of nearly 50%, which is a tremendous achievement in a very competitive market.”