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For Japanese automakers, the future's green and groovy
Tokyo (AFP) Oct 10, 2007 Forget horsepower, top speed and miles per gallon. The cars of the future are all about making drivers feel warm, fuzzy and less guilty about damaging the planet. Japanese automakers have taken the wraps off a clutch of futuristic new concept cars that put the emphasis on funky designs, low emissions and a new level of interaction between humans and their vehicles. Among them is Toyota Motor's "RiN", unveiled Wednesday, which promises "serene, healthy living" with heated seats that help good back posture, image displays to improve a driver's mood and an oxygen-level conditioner. Toyota's "Hi-CT", which adopts plug-in hybrid technology, meanwhile aims to be "an edgy, urban vehicle" inspired by the lifestyles of youth, with a removable rear trunk and a deck to store surfboards and bicycles. For Honda Motor Co., the future is "PUYO", a fuel-cell vehicle with a "gel body" that uses soft materials to improve safety -- for both drivers and pedestrians. Honda says the idea behind the concept car was to create a vehicle "with the feel of an adorable pet" and foster a more intimate relationship between the driver and the vehicle. Nissan Motor's Pivo 2 meanwhile has a small "robot assistant" that can talk to help with navigation or calm down angry drivers. The egg-shaped electric concept car can also drive sideways thanks to wheels that can turn 90 degrees for easy parallel parking. Like its predecessor, which was unveiled two years ago, the new Pivo has a cabin able to revolve 360 degrees, eliminating the need to reverse. A round-eyed robot head sitting on the dashboard has cameras that can tell when a driver is getting sleepy. "You look tired. There's a coffee shop 500 metres ahead on the left," it told a driver with drooping eyelids during a recent demonstration. Japanese automakers have been enjoying brisk sales overseas thanks to their environmentally friendly credentials. But they are battling sluggish sales at home where auto sales are stagnating amid sluggish wages and signs that young Japanese are becoming less interested in buying cars. Nissan's answer is the "Round Box" -- a curvy compact convertible aimed at young drivers with front bucket and rear bench seats. Inspired by the lively atmosphere of a sports bar, the automaker hopes it is "like being on a roller-coaster yet without any risk." And for drivers who prefer something a little more racy, there is also a new generation of hybrid sports cars. Honda says its CR-Z is a lightweight petrol-electric hybrid sports car which "combines powerful performance in a compact form with a futuristic image" including an over-sized grill and large wheels. From Toyota there is the Crown Hybrid Concept -- billed as a next-generation luxury sedan, as well as the FT-HS hybrid sports car. The concept cars will be exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show near the capital from October 27, and maybe -- one day -- on the road. Related Links Car Technology at SpaceMart.com
General Motors To Make 250,000 Chevrolets Per Year In Uzbekistan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (SPX) Oct 09, 2007U.S. auto giant General Motors and Korean-Uzbek car manufacturer UzDaewooAvto have set up a joint venture to produce up to 250,000 Chevrolet cars a year in Uzbekistan, company officials said Monday. General Motors will hold 25% plus one share in the new company, with an option to increase its stake in the JV to 40%. |
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