TOKYO (TR) – Beginning Saturday, the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show will highlight the latest in environmentally friendly vehicles from automakers worldwide.
The week-long event, held at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward, will feature cars powered by plug-in hybrid, fuel-cell, and next generation hybrid systems from among the approximately 179 exhibitors expected to attend.
Yet attracting the most attention at a press event on Wednesday was a flashy prototype from Toyota for which the power source is undecided. The Fun-Vii is a slim and sleek three-seat concept car that uses capacitance-screen technology to emit messages on its door panels. “It’s a four-wheeled smart phone,” said Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota.
Japan’s automakers are currently facing a difficult business environment. An especially strong yen has been compounded by the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March and the floods in Thailand, where numerous factories are located.
Toyota’s Toyoda believes that in these tumultuous times a strong push forward is necessary. This will include expanding the role vehicles play in society in a way that is environmentally friendly, he said.
Toyota also showcased its new hydrogen fuel-cell concept car, the four-door FCV-R.
“I hope that motor vehicles will continue to provide dreams and inspiration to people for all eras,” said the president.
The Tokyo Motor Show extends from December 3 to 11.
(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, December 2, 2011)
(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, December 2, 2011)
(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, December 2, 2011)
(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, December 2, 2011)
(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, December 2, 2011)
(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, December 2, 2011)
(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, December 2, 2011)
(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, December 2, 2011)
(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, December 2, 2011)
(Photo by Tokyo Reporter, December 2, 2011)
