LEAD IN:

Audi, Honda and Toyota are strutting their stuff at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit with a fleet of new concept vehicles and family SUVs.

Facing up to the SUV craze, Toyota is revamping its much loved Camry and introducing a new gas-electric hybrid.

STORY-LINE:

Unveiling the new 2018 Odyssey at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Honda say this is the ultimate family car.

Calling its flexible second-row advancements "Magic Slide," the company is promising seats that can easily reconfigure, whether moving forward, together or apart from other seats and rows.

There's also a host of driver-assist technologies that are new to the Odyssey, including those that help keep motorists in their lanes and on the road, avoid collisions and automatically adjust cruise control.

John Mendel, Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor Company says: "Well as you can see the fifth generation of America's best selling minivan takes Odyssey styling to a new level of sophistication and premium design. Low, wide, improved aerodynamics, a more sharply sculptured body side and a fresh new take on the signature lightning bolt beltline."

The new Odyssey also comes with noise reducing features with a claim from Mendel that is has the "quietest cabin in the class, bar none".

Audi is unveiling two new additions in its line-up at the autoshow.

The A5 Cabriolet is a sporty convertible with a drop top and an aggressive turbo-charged V6 engine, pushing 354 horsepower.

Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America says: "The acoustic roof, of course, folds down in just fifteen seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. Faster still is the 354 horsepower turbo-charged engine and of course we'll be bringing the A5 Cab with a 252 horsepower and a 2-litre engine."

The SQ5 is a being marketed as a premium SUV, sporting the same high performance specs as the A5.

Audi is also unveiling a concept version of the Q8 SUV hybrid, which it says will roll out in 2018.

The Q8 is sleek, features a downward sloping front end and has as sporty yet elegant look. The concept was created under the direction of Audi Chief Designer Marc Lichte. Audi officials hope it will attracted a new set of customers to the Audi brand.

America's favourite car, meanwhile is under attack.

If pickup trucks are excluded, the Toyota Camry has been the nation's top-selling vehicle for 15 years.

Now it's in danger of losing its crown - a potential victim of the SUV craze.

And even this much-anticipated revamp may not be enough to keep the competition at bay.

Aiko Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Company says: "We view this as an opportunity to reignite the midsize sedan market. I mean, why should SUVs get all the glory? After all this segment is still one of the largest in the industry."

The revamped Camry gets two all-new engines, a 3.5-litre V6 and a 2.5-litre four, both paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. There's also a gas-electric hybrid version.

All 2018 Camrys come standard with a suite of safety systems that include automatic emergency braking.

Horsepower, gas mileage and price have not been released. The new Kentucky-built Camry will be available late in the summer.

Chinese automaker GAC is unveiling three new concept vehicles. The GS7 - a five seater SUV, the sporty Enspirit and an electric model, the GE3.

The North American International Auto Show runs from January 8-22, 2017.

Detroit, January 9, 2017

++FLASHING LIGHTS++

1. Honda Odyssey reveal

2. SOUNDBITE (English) John Mendel, Executive Vice President, American Honda Motor Company:

"Well as you can see the fifth generation of America's best selling minivan takes Odyssey styling to a new level of sophistication and premium design. Low, wide, improved aerodynamics, a more sharply sculptured body side and a fresh new take on the signature lightning bolt beltline."

3. Various of Odyssey

4. Audi banner

5. Various of A5S5 Cabriolet

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America:

"The acoustic roof, of course, folds down in just fifteen seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. Faster still is the 354 horsepower turbo-charged engine and of course we'll be bringing the A5 Cab with a 252 horsepower and a 2-litre engine."

7. Reveal of SQ5 SUV

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America:

"As you can see the SQ5 is a premium SUV that is the perfect blend of performance and functionality. A turbo-charged V6 engine, 354 horsepower, the same engine that's in that stunning S5."

9. Reveal of Audi Q8 concept

10. Various views of Q8 concept

11. Ford F150 presentation on screen

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Joe Hinrichs, Ford President, The Americas:

"Ladies and gentlemen the new F-150. Even smarter, even tougher and even more capable. With all-new automatic emergency braking, class-exclusive adaptive cruise with stop and go technology. More powerful engines, an all-new diesel and F150s best towing ever."

13. Toyota signage

14. Various Toyota Camry unveil

15. SOUNDBITE (English) Aiko Toyoda, President, Toyota Motor Company:

"Between this new XLE and XSE our customers will have two very distinct Camrys to choose from. Sexy and really sexy."

16. Various, Camry XLE

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Aiko Toyoda, President, Toyota Motor Company:

"We view this as an opportunity to reignite the midsize sedan market. I mean, why should SUVs get all the glory? After all this segment is still one of the largest in the industry."

18. Toyota logo on Camry

19. GAC opening

20. GAC GS7 unveil

21. SOUNDBITE (English) Zhang Fan, Vice President of GAC Engineering:

"The GS7 is a five seater entry-premium SUV that's designed with an impressive stance and focused on providing a comfortable driving experience."

22. SOUNDBITE (English) Zhang Fan, Vice President of GAC Engineering:

"The 680 gearbox and the realtime all-wheel drive system ensures the (inaudible) and minimal harshness in all kinds of road conditions."

23. Yu Jun, GAC General Manager on stage

24. SOUNDBITE (English) Yu Jun, GAC General Manager:

"GAC Motors is the first global auto brand in China. We are now building a world-class system for auto manufacturing, ensuring the world class-quality of GAC products."

25. GAC GE3 electric car unveil

26. GAC Enspirit unveil

Cars that run on hydrogen and exhaust only water vapor are emerging to challenge electric vehicles as the world's transportation of the future.

At the Los Angeles Auto Show Wednesday, Honda and Hyundai automakers unveiled hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to be delivered to the general public as early as next spring.

Toyota promised a mass-produced fuel cell car by 2015 at the Tokyo car show earlier.

Hyundai Motor Co. will be the first to the mass market in the U.S. It unveiled a hydrogen-powered Tucson small SUV that will be leased to consumers for $499 per month for three years with $3,000 down.

Hydrogen cars are appealing because unlike electric vehicles, they have the range of a typical gasoline car and can be refueled quickly. Experts say the industry also has overcome safety and reliability concerns that have hindered distribution in the past.

But hydrogen cars still have a glaring downside � refueling stations are scarce, and costly to build.

Consumers can expect costs in line with some luxury models.

Hyundai is offering to pay the hydrogen and maintenance costs. The company will start leasing in the Los Angeles area, where most of the state's nine fueling stations are located. California lawmakers have allocated $100 million to build 100 more. Honda wouldn't reveal any pricing details.

Hydrogen cars, experts say, have an advantage over battery-powered electric cars because drivers don't have to worry about running out of electricity and having to wait hours for recharging.

Hydrogen fuel cells use a complex chemical process to separate electrons and protons in hydrogen gas molecules. The electrons power a car's electric motor, which turns the wheels.

Since the hydrogen isn't burned, there's no pollution. Instead, oxygen also is pumped into the system, and when it meets the hydrogen ions and electrons, that creates water and heat. The only byproduct is water.

A fuel cell produces only about one volt of electricity, so many are stacked to generate enough juice.

Toyota said its new fuel cell vehicle will go on sale in Japan in 2015 and within a year later in Europe and U.S.

Toyota's fuel cell car is a "concept" model called FCV that looks like a sleeker Prius gas-electric hybrid.

Honda, which has leased about two-dozen fuel cell cars since 2005, took the wraps off a futuristic-looking FCEV concept vehicle in Los Angeles.

Honda executives predict that it will take five years for the hydrogen refueling stations to reach significant numbers outside California, and up to 25 years to go nationwide.

But skeptics say hydrogen fueling stations are more expensive than electric car charging stations, partly because electricity is almost everywhere and new and safe ways for producing, storing and transferring

hydrogen will be needed.

AP TELEVISION

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Los Angeles, California

1. Wide, convention floor at Los Angeles Auto Show

2. Wide, pan across cars covered with fabric waiting to be revealed

3. Wide, Chevrolet logo advertising new "Colorado" mid-size pickup truck

4. Medium, smoke and colored lights around new Subaru WRX, silky fabric slides off to unveil new car model in cherry red

5. Medium low, man peers in driver's side door of Subaru WRX

6. Wide, Honda stage with water and lights and concept car under wraps

7. Medium, screen above stage reads reads "Honda FCEV Concept"

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Tetsuo Iwamura, President and CEO, American Honda Motor Co.

"Today we want to focus on what we believe has the potential to become the ultimate solution to realizing ultra-low carbon mobility. And that is the fuel cell electric vehicle."

9. Wide, Iwamura speaks on stage in front of veiled concept car

10. Tight, rear bumper of concept car as Iwarmura walks in front

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Tetsuo Iwamura, President and CEO, American Honda Motor Co."The Honda FCEV concept!" (wide, fabric is whisked off car and music swells)

12. Wide, Honda sign on convention floor

13. Medium, woman tries to open door on concept car

14. Medium, man takes photo of car with cell phone

15. Tight, rear license plate pan up to Honda logo on rear bumper

16. SOUNDBITE (English) John O'Dell, Edmunds.com green vehicle analyst "Hydrogen fuel cells basically mix hydrogen and oxygen together, separate out the electrons and produce the electricity on board. In actuality, a hydrogen fuel cell car is an electric vehicle."

17. Tight, front of Honda concept car, zoom out to entire car

18. Tight, Honda insignia on front of car

19. Medium, photographer takes photo of car 20. SOUNDBITE (English) John O'Dell, Edmunds.com green vehicle analyst "The way Hyundai for instance tests its fuel cell tank? They light the car on fire. They've burnt up entire fuel cell vehicles to see what happens.

The pressure vent on the tank releases, the hydrogen goes up in a fan shape, it burns like a butane lighter, straight up in the air. And it dissipates in a couple of minutes."

21. Tight, curves on concept car, zoom out to entire car

22. Tight, Iwamura speaks to Japanese reporters

23. Medium pan, concept car

24. SOUNDBITE (English) John O'Dell, Edmunds.com green vehicle analyst "It's a more compact package and it's lighter than a big battery pack that you need for a plug-in electric vehicle."

25. Wide, audience waiting for Hyundai press conference

26. Medium, people at Hyundai presser

27. Wide, Hyundai Tucson ix35 hydrogen fuel cell compact SUV spinning slowly

28. Tight, Hyundai fuel cell vehicle spinning 29. Wide, Hyundai stage

30. SOUNDBITE (English) John Krafcik, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor America "You've got driving range of up to 300 miles. You can refuel them in just a few minutes. And there's endless choice in size and configuration.

That's because it's more space- and weight-efficient to multiply the number of fuel cells than it is to multiply the number of batteries."

31. Wide, Krafcik on stage

32. Medium, Hyundai Tucson compact SUV

33. Wide, Toyota display at convention

34. Tight, Toyota sign

35. Tight zoom out to medium, worker polishing Dodge Challenger anniversary edition

36. Medium, model in white dress and boots with Dodge Challenger

LEAD IN:

Eco-friendly rides and self-driving vehicles are stealing all the headlines at the annual Tokyo Motor Show in Japan.

Japanese auto makers Toyota, Honda and Lexus are all debuting new concept vehicles which embrace lower carbon technologies in comparison to traditional petrol engines.

STORY-LINE:

Automobiles are coming in all shapes and sizes at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan, on Toyota's stand they're even glowing like something out of a sci-fi movie.

On home soil, Toyota President Akio Toyoda introduced a collection of concept cars accompanied by popular Japanese Major League baseball player, Ichiro Suzuki.

"It is truly tough to compete in a global field. We need to meet many new challenges in order to survive," says the baseball player.

"Those are the thoughts when I am standing at the batter's box. I am curious to what sort of 'wow' Toyota will show us."

The Toyota president took the opportunity to declare the company's intention to play a leading role in the auto industry, wowing drivers in the process.

"Toyota will produce better and better cars and will make an effort towards realising an enjoyable mobility environment," says Toyoda.

"'What wows you' is to be brave and meet the challenge. We will always continue to stand in the batter's box to meet the challenges in the future. Let's do it together!"

The key concept car Toyota is unveiling this year is this new generation fuel cell vehicle called the 'Toyota FCV Plus'.

The vehicle has the capability to generate electricity by using hydrogen stored outside the vehicle.

That way, the car can function not only as a vehicle but also be used as a sort of portable power plant.

The automaker also unveiled this lightweight sports car concept called the 'Toyota S-FR'. Weighing only 980kg, it's designed for nimble driving.

Hans Greimel, an auto journalist who specialises in Asia's auto industry, says this year's motor show features a range of eco-themed cars.

"At this year's Tokyo Motor Show, you're going to see a lot of activities from Japanese makers in particular on their home turf coming out with new kinds of green cars, new environmentally friendly cars - everything from fuel cells, you'll have those from Honda and from Toyota, to electric vehicles which is just about represented by just about everybody here," he says.

"The other trend you're gonna see is autonomous driving trend, self-driving cars. All of the automakers are gonna have some kind of version of their vision for where that kind of self-driving car technology will go. And that's gonna be a centrepiece of the presentations here."

Volkswagen representatives used their presentation at the motor show to again apologise for the company's recent emissions scandal.

Despite none of the affected vehicles being sold in Japan, the company acknowledged the problems have "damaged Japanese trust" in the brand.

They also used the event to present the company's new Tiguan GTE concept car to Asian audiences.

Previously unveiled at last month's Frankfurt Motor Show, the concept is an SUV which boasts hybrid drive technology.

Volkswagen's CEO of Passenger Cars, Herbert Diess, says the car starts in full electric mode which has a range of 50 kilometres that will cover most daily drives.

"Depending on the amount of sunshine, it can be driven even further. That is because a solar module can contribute enough energy for an additional 1,000 kilometres per year," he says.

Honda claims their new Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle is the first production model to consolidate the fuel-cell power train under the vehicle's hood.

That means it allows spacious areas in the rest of the vehicle, something some previous fuel cell vehicles didn't deliver.

The Japanese automaker also showed the latest version of its NSX.

Originally introduced in 1990, the new version is a hybrid sports car which uses both petrol and electric power.

The NSX has been a popular sports car for the brand, many see this as a reflection of Honda's F1 race technology.

"This new NSX boasts the light weight body frame and with newly-developed twin-turbocharged V6 engines installed in the middle part of the car," says Takahiro Hachigo, the president and CEO of Honda Motor Co.

"This is a super sports car equipped with a three-motor hybrid system so that it can meet both demands, the fun of driving and good fuel mileage."

Nissan is showing off this 'Teatro for Dayz' concept car which boasts seats and surfaces that can be used to display videos and images. Passengers can enjoy playing games that surround them in the car.

The automaker's president and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, says the EV minicar resembles a digital gadget just as much a car.

Nissan also unveiled its other major concept called the 'IDS Concept', sharing its vision for future autonomous driving technology in the process.

This concept vehicle is loaded with laser scanners, a 360-degree camera setup, radar and computer technology that makes autonomous navigation possible.

Nissan plan to offer some autonomous driving features in its vehicles by the end of next year in Japan.

By 2018, the company says vehicles with the technology will be able to conduct lane changes on highways.

By 2020, such vehicles will be able to make their way through intersections on regular urban roads.

The IDS vehicle is also electric and can travel long distances on a single charge, also recharging quickly.

"I think it's empowering. It's empowering!" says Ghosn.

"When you're in an autonomous car, it's empowering because you switch on, you switch off. If you want to drive, you switch it off."

"If you don't want to drive, you're in the city, you're in a traffic jam, you receive a phone call, you need to have a conversation with somebody near you, you switch it on. It's empowering. I think that's great."

"That's why young people are going to love it, senior people are going to love it, families are going to love it, because it's going to give you more freedom to do whatever you want."

Lexus, Toyota's luxury car brand, is unveiling this stylish hybrid coupe concept called 'LF-FC'.

"We hope that with this design, drivers will experience a ride that is full of emotion and joy," says Lexus International President, Tokuo Fukuichi.

The original version was unveiled in 2012, but it's yet to go to market.

There was no confirmation given at this year's motor show whether the car will eventually be available commercially.

More than 70 different concept cars are being presented at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

The event runs until 8 November.

LEAD IN:

Eco-friendly rides and self-driving vehicles are stealing all the headlines at the annual Tokyo Motor Show in Japan.

Japanese auto makers Toyota, Honda and Lexus are all debuting new concept vehicles which embrace lower carbon technologies in comparison to traditional petrol engines.

STORY-LINE:

Automobiles are coming in all shapes and sizes at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan, on Toyota's stand they're even glowing like something out of a sci-fi movie.

On home soil, Toyota President Akio Toyoda introduced a collection of concept cars accompanied by popular Japanese Major League baseball player, Ichiro Suzuki.

"It is truly tough to compete in a global field. We need to meet many new challenges in order to survive," says the baseball player.

"Those are the thoughts when I am standing at the batter's box. I am curious to what sort of 'wow' Toyota will show us."

The Toyota president took the opportunity to declare the company's intention to play a leading role in the auto industry, wowing drivers in the process.

"Toyota will produce better and better cars and will make an effort towards realising an enjoyable mobility environment," says Toyoda.

"'What wows you' is to be brave and meet the challenge. We will always continue to stand in the batter's box to meet the challenges in the future. Let's do it together!"

The key concept car Toyota is unveiling this year is this new generation fuel cell vehicle called the 'Toyota FCV Plus'.

The vehicle has the capability to generate electricity by using hydrogen stored outside the vehicle.

That way, the car can function not only as a vehicle but also be used as a sort of portable power plant.

The automaker also unveiled this lightweight sports car concept called the 'Toyota S-FR'. Weighing only 980kg, it's designed for nimble driving.

Hans Greimel, an auto journalist who specialises in Asia's auto industry, says this year's motor show features a range of eco-themed cars.

"At this year's Tokyo Motor Show, you're going to see a lot of activities from Japanese makers in particular on their home turf coming out with new kinds of green cars, new environmentally friendly cars - everything from fuel cells, you'll have those from Honda and from Toyota, to electric vehicles which is just about represented by just about everybody here," he says.

"The other trend you're gonna see is autonomous driving trend, self-driving cars. All of the automakers are gonna have some kind of version of their vision for where that kind of self-driving car technology will go. And that's gonna be a centrepiece of the presentations here."

Volkswagen representatives used their presentation at the motor show to again apologise for the company's recent emissions scandal.

Despite none of the affected vehicles being sold in Japan, the company acknowledged the problems have "damaged Japanese trust" in the brand.

They also used the event to present the company's new Tiguan GTE concept car to Asian audiences.

Previously unveiled at last month's Frankfurt Motor Show, the concept is an SUV which boasts hybrid drive technology.

Volkswagen's CEO of Passenger Cars, Herbert Diess, says the car starts in full electric mode which has a range of 50 kilometres that will cover most daily drives.

"Depending on the amount of sunshine, it can be driven even further. That is because a solar module can contribute enough energy for an additional 1,000 kilometres per year," he says.

Honda claims their new Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle is the first production model to consolidate the fuel-cell power train under the vehicle's hood.

That means it allows spacious areas in the rest of the vehicle, something some previous fuel cell vehicles didn't deliver.

The Japanese automaker also showed the latest version of its NSX.

Originally introduced in 1990, the new version is a hybrid sports car which uses both petrol and electric power.

The NSX has been a popular sports car for the brand, many see this as a reflection of Honda's F1 race technology.

"This new NSX boasts the light weight body frame and with newly-developed twin-turbocharged V6 engines installed in the middle part of the car," says Takahiro Hachigo, the president and CEO of Honda Motor Co.

"This is a super sports car equipped with a three-motor hybrid system so that it can meet both demands, the fun of driving and good fuel mileage."

Nissan is showing off this 'Teatro for Dayz' concept car which boasts seats and surfaces that can be used to display videos and images. Passengers can enjoy playing games that surround them in the car.

The automaker's president and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, says the EV minicar resembles a digital gadget just as much a car.

Nissan also unveiled its other major concept called the 'IDS Concept', sharing its vision for future autonomous driving technology in the process.

This concept vehicle is loaded with laser scanners, a 360-degree camera setup, radar and computer technology that makes autonomous navigation possible.

Nissan plan to offer some autonomous driving features in its vehicles by the end of next year in Japan.

By 2018, the company says vehicles with the technology will be able to conduct lane changes on highways.

By 2020, such vehicles will be able to make their way through intersections on regular urban roads.

The IDS vehicle is also electric and can travel long distances on a single charge, also recharging quickly.

"I think it's empowering. It's empowering!" says Ghosn.

"When you're in an autonomous car, it's empowering because you switch on, you switch off. If you want to drive, you switch it off."

"If you don't want to drive, you're in the city, you're in a traffic jam, you receive a phone call, you need to have a conversation with somebody near you, you switch it on. It's empowering. I think that's great."

"That's why young people are going to love it, senior people are going to love it, families are going to love it, because it's going to give you more freedom to do whatever you want."

Lexus, Toyota's luxury car brand, is unveiling this stylish hybrid coupe concept called 'LF-FC'.

"We hope that with this design, drivers will experience a ride that is full of emotion and joy," says Lexus International President, Tokuo Fukuichi.

The original version was unveiled in 2012, but it's yet to go to market.

There was no confirmation given at this year's motor show whether the car will eventually be available commercially.

More than 70 different concept cars are being presented at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

The event runs until 8 November.

AP TELEVISION

Tokyo, Japan - 28 October 2015

1. Close of wheel of Toyota Motor Corp.'s concept car "FCV plus" on show at Tokyo Motor Show

2. Wide of FCV plus

3. Close of glowing ring on FCV plus

4. Wide of Toyota's world and Japan premiere vehicles on display

5. Close of Toyota's world and Japan premiere vehicle "SFR"

6. Wide of Ichiro Suzuki, American Major League Baseball Player, and Akio Toyoda, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Co., shaking hands onstage

7. Close of Suzuki and Toyoda onstage

8. SOUNDBITE: (Japanese) Ichiro Suzuki, American Major League Baseball Player:

"It is truly tough to compete in a global field. We need to meet many new challenges in order to survive. Those are the thoughts when I am standing at the batter's box. I am curious to what sort of 'wow" Toyota will show us."

9. SOUNDBITE: (Japanese/English) Akio Toyoda, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Co.:

"Toyota will produce better and better cars and will make an effort towards realising an enjoyable mobility environment. 'What wows you' is to be brave and meet the challenge. We will always continue to stand in the batter's box to meet the challenges in the future. Let's do it together!"

10. Various of Hans Greimel, Automotive News, Asia Editor, looking at car at Tokyo Motor Show

11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Hans Greimel, Automotive News, Asia Editor:

"At this year's Tokyo Motor Show, you're going to see a lot of activities from Japanese makers in particular on their home turf coming out with new kinds of green cars, new environmentally friendly cars - everything from fuel cells, you'll have those from Honda and from Toyota, to electric vehicles which is just about represented by just about everybody here. The other trend you're gonna see is autonomous driving trend, self-driving cars. All of the automakers are gonna have some kind of version of their vision for where that kind of self-driving car technology will go. And that's gonna be a centrepiece of the presentations here."

12. Wide of Sven Stein, Representative Director, Volkswagen Group Japan (left) and Herbert Diess, Volkswagen's CEO Passenger Cars brand (right) unveiling Tiguan GTE concept car with solar roof

13. SOUNDBITE: (English) Herbert Diess, Volkswagen's CEO Passenger Cars brand:

"Depending on the amount of sunshine, it can be driven even further. That is because a solar module that can contribute enough energy for an additional 1,000 kilometres per year."

14. Wide of Diess standing in front of concept car while detailing safety features

UPSOUND: (English) "And it is precisely this type of progress that makes the Tiguan a Volkswagen."

15. Various of Stein and Diess posing for photographs next to Tiguan GTE concept car

16. Various of Honda's concept car "Clarity"

17. Wide of Takahiro Hachigo, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., walking onstage

18. SOUNDBITE: (Japanese) Takahiro Hachigo, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co.:

"This new NSX boasts the light weight body frame and with newly-developed twin-turbocharged V6 engines installed in the middle part of the car. This is a super sports car equipped with a three-motor hybrid system so that it can meet both demands, the fun of driving and good fuel mileage."

19. Various of Honda's NSX

20. Close of Nissan's concept car "Teatro for Dayz"

21. Wide of Nissan Teatro

22. Close of car dashboard

23. Close of dashboard graphics

24. Wide of Nissan Teatro interior with doors wide open showing LED panels changing designs of interior

25. Wide of Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., speaking onstage at presentation

26. SOUNDBITE: (English) Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co.:

"Above all, they want a car to be a versatile tool for self-expression and connecting with friends just like a smart phone."

27. Wide of Nissan's "IDS" autonomous car

28. Pull out of Nissan's "IDS"

29. SOUNDBITE: (English) Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co.:

"I think it's empowering. It's empowering! When you're in an autonomous car, it's empowering because you switch on, you switch off. If you want to drive, you switch it off. If you don't want to drive, you're in the city, you're in a traffic jam, you receive a phone call, you need to have a conversation with somebody near you, you switch it on. It's empowering. I think that's great. That's why young people are going to love it, senior people are going to love it, families are going to love it, because it's going to give you more freedom to do whatever you want."

30. Wide of Lexus's world premiere vehicle LF-FC driving onstage

31. Pan left from photographer to car

32. Pull focus of Lexus logo

33. Wide of Lexus's world premiere vehicle LF-FC

34. Close of LF-FC rear

35. Close of markings, reading (English): 'Fuel Cell' on LF-FC

36. SOUNDBITE: (Japanese) Tokuo Fukuichi, Lexus International President:

"We hope that with this design, drivers will experience a ride that is full of emotion and joy."

37. Tilt down to Tokyo Motor Show floor

38. Wide of motor show floor

39. Long shot of visitors walking through motor show

LEAD IN:

Eco-friendly rides and self-driving vehicles are stealing all the headlines at the annual Tokyo Motor Show in Japan.

Japanese auto makers Toyota, Honda and Lexus are all debuting new concept vehicles which embrace lower carbon technologies in comparison to traditional petrol engines.

STORY-LINE:

Automobiles are coming in all shapes and sizes at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan, on Toyota's stand they're even glowing like something out of a sci-fi movie.

On home soil, Toyota President Akio Toyoda introduced a collection of concept cars accompanied by popular Japanese Major League baseball player, Ichiro Suzuki.

"It is truly tough to compete in a global field. We need to meet many new challenges in order to survive," says the baseball player.

"Those are the thoughts when I am standing at the batter's box. I am curious to what sort of 'wow' Toyota will show us."

The Toyota president took the opportunity to declare the company's intention to play a leading role in the auto industry, wowing drivers in the process.

"Toyota will produce better and better cars and will make an effort towards realising an enjoyable mobility environment," says Toyoda.

"'What wows you' is to be brave and meet the challenge. We will always continue to stand in the batter's box to meet the challenges in the future. Let's do it together!"

The key concept car Toyota is unveiling this year is this new generation fuel cell vehicle called the 'Toyota FCV Plus'.

The vehicle has the capability to generate electricity by using hydrogen stored outside the vehicle.

That way, the car can function not only as a vehicle but also be used as a sort of portable power plant.

The automaker also unveiled this lightweight sports car concept called the 'Toyota S-FR'. Weighing only 980kg, it's designed for nimble driving.

Hans Greimel, an auto journalist who specialises in Asia's auto industry, says this year's motor show features a range of eco-themed cars.

"At this year's Tokyo Motor Show, you're going to see a lot of activities from Japanese makers in particular on their home turf coming out with new kinds of green cars, new environmentally friendly cars - everything from fuel cells, you'll have those from Honda and from Toyota, to electric vehicles which is just about represented by just about everybody here," he says.

"The other trend you're gonna see is autonomous driving trend, self-driving cars. All of the automakers are gonna have some kind of version of their vision for where that kind of self-driving car technology will go. And that's gonna be a centrepiece of the presentations here."

Volkswagen representatives used their presentation at the motor show to again apologise for the company's recent emissions scandal.

Despite none of the affected vehicles being sold in Japan, the company acknowledged the problems have "damaged Japanese trust" in the brand.

They also used the event to present the company's new Tiguan GTE concept car to Asian audiences.

Previously unveiled at last month's Frankfurt Motor Show, the concept is an SUV which boasts hybrid drive technology.

Volkswagen's CEO of Passenger Cars, Herbert Diess, says the car starts in full electric mode which has a range of 50 kilometres that will cover most daily drives.

"Depending on the amount of sunshine, it can be driven even further. That is because a solar module can contribute enough energy for an additional 1,000 kilometres per year," he says.

Honda claims their new Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle is the first production model to consolidate the fuel-cell power train under the vehicle's hood.

That means it allows spacious areas in the rest of the vehicle, something some previous fuel cell vehicles didn't deliver.

The Japanese automaker also showed the latest version of its NSX.

Originally introduced in 1990, the new version is a hybrid sports car which uses both petrol and electric power.

The NSX has been a popular sports car for the brand, many see this as a reflection of Honda's F1 race technology.

"This new NSX boasts the light weight body frame and with newly-developed twin-turbocharged V6 engines installed in the middle part of the car," says Takahiro Hachigo, the president and CEO of Honda Motor Co.

"This is a super sports car equipped with a three-motor hybrid system so that it can meet both demands, the fun of driving and good fuel mileage."

Nissan is showing off this 'Teatro for Dayz' concept car which boasts seats and surfaces that can be used to display videos and images. Passengers can enjoy playing games that surround them in the car.

The automaker's president and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, says the EV minicar resembles a digital gadget just as much a car.

Nissan also unveiled its other major concept called the 'IDS Concept', sharing its vision for future autonomous driving technology in the process.

This concept vehicle is loaded with laser scanners, a 360-degree camera setup, radar and computer technology that makes autonomous navigation possible.

Nissan plan to offer some autonomous driving features in its vehicles by the end of next year in Japan.

By 2018, the company says vehicles with the technology will be able to conduct lane changes on highways.

By 2020, such vehicles will be able to make their way through intersections on regular urban roads.

The IDS vehicle is also electric and can travel long distances on a single charge, also recharging quickly.

"I think it's empowering. It's empowering!" says Ghosn.

"When you're in an autonomous car, it's empowering because you switch on, you switch off. If you want to drive, you switch it off."

"If you don't want to drive, you're in the city, you're in a traffic jam, you receive a phone call, you need to have a conversation with somebody near you, you switch it on. It's empowering. I think that's great."

"That's why young people are going to love it, senior people are going to love it, families are going to love it, because it's going to give you more freedom to do whatever you want."

Lexus, Toyota's luxury car brand, is unveiling this stylish hybrid coupe concept called 'LF-FC'.

"We hope that with this design, drivers will experience a ride that is full of emotion and joy," says Lexus International President, Tokuo Fukuichi.

The original version was unveiled in 2012, but it's yet to go to market.

There was no confirmation given at this year's motor show whether the car will eventually be available commercially.

More than 70 different concept cars are being presented at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

The event runs until 8 November.

LEAD IN:

Eco-friendly rides and self-driving vehicles are stealing all the headlines at the annual Tokyo Motor Show in Japan.

Japanese auto makers Toyota, Honda and Lexus are all debuting new concept vehicles which embrace lower carbon technologies in comparison to traditional petrol engines.

STORY-LINE:

Automobiles are coming in all shapes and sizes at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan, on Toyota's stand they're even glowing like something out of a sci-fi movie.

On home soil, Toyota President Akio Toyoda introduced a collection of concept cars accompanied by popular Japanese Major League baseball player, Ichiro Suzuki.

"It is truly tough to compete in a global field. We need to meet many new challenges in order to survive," says the baseball player.

"Those are the thoughts when I am standing at the batter's box. I am curious to what sort of 'wow' Toyota will show us."

The Toyota president took the opportunity to declare the company's intention to play a leading role in the auto industry, wowing drivers in the process.

"Toyota will produce better and better cars and will make an effort towards realising an enjoyable mobility environment," says Toyoda.

"'What wows you' is to be brave and meet the challenge. We will always continue to stand in the batter's box to meet the challenges in the future. Let's do it together!"

The key concept car Toyota is unveiling this year is this new generation fuel cell vehicle called the 'Toyota FCV Plus'.

The vehicle has the capability to generate electricity by using hydrogen stored outside the vehicle.

That way, the car can function not only as a vehicle but also be used as a sort of portable power plant.

The automaker also unveiled this lightweight sports car concept called the 'Toyota S-FR'. Weighing only 980kg, it's designed for nimble driving.

Hans Greimel, an auto journalist who specialises in Asia's auto industry, says this year's motor show features a range of eco-themed cars.

"At this year's Tokyo Motor Show, you're going to see a lot of activities from Japanese makers in particular on their home turf coming out with new kinds of green cars, new environmentally friendly cars - everything from fuel cells, you'll have those from Honda and from Toyota, to electric vehicles which is just about represented by just about everybody here," he says.

"The other trend you're gonna see is autonomous driving trend, self-driving cars. All of the automakers are gonna have some kind of version of their vision for where that kind of self-driving car technology will go. And that's gonna be a centrepiece of the presentations here."

Volkswagen representatives used their presentation at the motor show to again apologise for the company's recent emissions scandal.

Despite none of the affected vehicles being sold in Japan, the company acknowledged the problems have "damaged Japanese trust" in the brand.

They also used the event to present the company's new Tiguan GTE concept car to Asian audiences.

Previously unveiled at last month's Frankfurt Motor Show, the concept is an SUV which boasts hybrid drive technology.

Volkswagen's CEO of Passenger Cars, Herbert Diess, says the car starts in full electric mode which has a range of 50 kilometres that will cover most daily drives.

"Depending on the amount of sunshine, it can be driven even further. That is because a solar module can contribute enough energy for an additional 1,000 kilometres per year," he says.

Honda claims their new Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle is the first production model to consolidate the fuel-cell power train under the vehicle's hood.

That means it allows spacious areas in the rest of the vehicle, something some previous fuel cell vehicles didn't deliver.

The Japanese automaker also showed the latest version of its NSX.

Originally introduced in 1990, the new version is a hybrid sports car which uses both petrol and electric power.

The NSX has been a popular sports car for the brand, many see this as a reflection of Honda's F1 race technology.

"This new NSX boasts the light weight body frame and with newly-developed twin-turbocharged V6 engines installed in the middle part of the car," says Takahiro Hachigo, the president and CEO of Honda Motor Co.

"This is a super sports car equipped with a three-motor hybrid system so that it can meet both demands, the fun of driving and good fuel mileage."

Nissan is showing off this 'Teatro for Dayz' concept car which boasts seats and surfaces that can be used to display videos and images. Passengers can enjoy playing games that surround them in the car.

The automaker's president and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, says the EV minicar resembles a digital gadget just as much a car.

Nissan also unveiled its other major concept called the 'IDS Concept', sharing its vision for future autonomous driving technology in the process.

This concept vehicle is loaded with laser scanners, a 360-degree camera setup, radar and computer technology that makes autonomous navigation possible.

Nissan plan to offer some autonomous driving features in its vehicles by the end of next year in Japan.

By 2018, the company says vehicles with the technology will be able to conduct lane changes on highways.

By 2020, such vehicles will be able to make their way through intersections on regular urban roads.

The IDS vehicle is also electric and can travel long distances on a single charge, also recharging quickly.

"I think it's empowering. It's empowering!" says Ghosn.

"When you're in an autonomous car, it's empowering because you switch on, you switch off. If you want to drive, you switch it off."

"If you don't want to drive, you're in the city, you're in a traffic jam, you receive a phone call, you need to have a conversation with somebody near you, you switch it on. It's empowering. I think that's great."

"That's why young people are going to love it, senior people are going to love it, families are going to love it, because it's going to give you more freedom to do whatever you want."

Lexus, Toyota's luxury car brand, is unveiling this stylish hybrid coupe concept called 'LF-FC'.

"We hope that with this design, drivers will experience a ride that is full of emotion and joy," says Lexus International President, Tokuo Fukuichi.

The original version was unveiled in 2012, but it's yet to go to market.

There was no confirmation given at this year's motor show whether the car will eventually be available commercially.

More than 70 different concept cars are being presented at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

The event runs until 8 November.

AP TELEVISION

Tokyo, Japan - 28 October 2015

1. Close of wheel of Toyota Motor Corp.'s concept car "FCV plus" on show at Tokyo Motor Show

2. Wide of FCV plus

3. Close of glowing ring on FCV plus

4. Wide of Toyota's world and Japan premiere vehicles on display

5. Close of Toyota's world and Japan premiere vehicle "SFR"

6. Wide of Ichiro Suzuki, American Major League Baseball Player, and Akio Toyoda, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Co., shaking hands onstage

7. Close of Suzuki and Toyoda onstage

8. SOUNDBITE: (Japanese) Ichiro Suzuki, American Major League Baseball Player:

"It is truly tough to compete in a global field. We need to meet many new challenges in order to survive. Those are the thoughts when I am standing at the batter's box. I am curious to what sort of 'wow" Toyota will show us."

9. SOUNDBITE: (Japanese/English) Akio Toyoda, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Co.:

"Toyota will produce better and better cars and will make an effort towards realising an enjoyable mobility environment. 'What wows you' is to be brave and meet the challenge. We will always continue to stand in the batter's box to meet the challenges in the future. Let's do it together!"

10. Various of Hans Greimel, Automotive News, Asia Editor, looking at car at Tokyo Motor Show

11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Hans Greimel, Automotive News, Asia Editor:

"At this year's Tokyo Motor Show, you're going to see a lot of activities from Japanese makers in particular on their home turf coming out with new kinds of green cars, new environmentally friendly cars - everything from fuel cells, you'll have those from Honda and from Toyota, to electric vehicles which is just about represented by just about everybody here. The other trend you're gonna see is autonomous driving trend, self-driving cars. All of the automakers are gonna have some kind of version of their vision for where that kind of self-driving car technology will go. And that's gonna be a centrepiece of the presentations here."

12. Wide of Sven Stein, Representative Director, Volkswagen Group Japan (left) and Herbert Diess, Volkswagen's CEO Passenger Cars brand (right) unveiling Tiguan GTE concept car with solar roof

13. SOUNDBITE: (English) Herbert Diess, Volkswagen's CEO Passenger Cars brand:

"Depending on the amount of sunshine, it can be driven even further. That is because a solar module that can contribute enough energy for an additional 1,000 kilometres per year."

14. Wide of Diess standing in front of concept car while detailing safety features

UPSOUND: (English) "And it is precisely this type of progress that makes the Tiguan a Volkswagen."

15. Various of Stein and Diess posing for photographs next to Tiguan GTE concept car

16. Various of Honda's concept car "Clarity"

17. Wide of Takahiro Hachigo, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., walking onstage

18. SOUNDBITE: (Japanese) Takahiro Hachigo, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co.:

"This new NSX boasts the light weight body frame and with newly-developed twin-turbocharged V6 engines installed in the middle part of the car. This is a super sports car equipped with a three-motor hybrid system so that it can meet both demands, the fun of driving and good fuel mileage."

19. Various of Honda's NSX

20. Close of Nissan's concept car "Teatro for Dayz"

21. Wide of Nissan Teatro

22. Close of car dashboard

23. Close of dashboard graphics

24. Wide of Nissan Teatro interior with doors wide open showing LED panels changing designs of interior

25. Wide of Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., speaking onstage at presentation

26. SOUNDBITE: (English) Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co.:

"Above all, they want a car to be a versatile tool for self-expression and connecting with friends just like a smart phone."

27. Wide of Nissan's "IDS" autonomous car

28. Pull out of Nissan's "IDS"

29. SOUNDBITE: (English) Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co.:

"I think it's empowering. It's empowering! When you're in an autonomous car, it's empowering because you switch on, you switch off. If you want to drive, you switch it off. If you don't want to drive, you're in the city, you're in a traffic jam, you receive a phone call, you need to have a conversation with somebody near you, you switch it on. It's empowering. I think that's great. That's why young people are going to love it, senior people are going to love it, families are going to love it, because it's going to give you more freedom to do whatever you want."

30. Wide of Lexus's world premiere vehicle LF-FC driving onstage

31. Pan left from photographer to car

32. Pull focus of Lexus logo

33. Wide of Lexus's world premiere vehicle LF-FC

34. Close of LF-FC rear

35. Close of markings, reading (English): 'Fuel Cell' on LF-FC

36. SOUNDBITE: (Japanese) Tokuo Fukuichi, Lexus International President:

"We hope that with this design, drivers will experience a ride that is full of emotion and joy."

37. Tilt down to Tokyo Motor Show floor

38. Wide of motor show floor

39. Long shot of visitors walking through motor show

Green cars rolled into the spotlight at the Tokyo auto show on Wednesday as Japan's automakers look to fuel efficient technology to reinvigorate growth after tough times.

The Tokyo Motor Show previewed for media ahead of its opening to the public on Saturday.

The show has been scaling back in recent years, underlining the waning importance of Japan as a global auto market.

Automakers are increasingly looking to China, India and other markets with growth potential more than Japan, which has made competition stiff.

"The time when an automaker could focus only on the vehicle is over. Look at the concept cars here today," said Nissan Motor Co CEO Carlos Ghosn, adding that today's cars should be "viable transport solutions for tomorrow's digitally connected urban societies where smart houses and smart communities support zero emission mobility."

Very few US and European car companies featured at the show, and so, with the Japanese being the stars, the focus was on ecological technology, such as plug-in hybrids and electric cars.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda became emotional as he talked of the the country's tough challenges after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.

Japanese automakers, including Toyota Motor Corp., were forced to scale back production as supply chains in northeastern Japan were damaged.

Toyoda promised that Toyota would "not turn its back" on the earthquake damaged regions, nor on Toyota plants in flood-ravaged Thailand.

"Toyota will work together with people in these regions and aims to be the driving force of their restoration and reconstruction," Toyoda said.

Toyota's display at the motor show featured the plug-in version of its Prius hybrid.

More than 3.4 (m) million Toyota hybrids have been sold worldwide so far, and the company is hoping Prius plug-in sales will reach 60-thousand per year globally.

Nissan Motor Co. had an updated version of its futuristic-looking electric car called Pivo 3, which can automatically drive itself, find parking spaces, and swerve around in almost a complete circle.

Nissan also showed concept cars such as the AC-X plug-in hybrid, EV-STER electric roadster convertible, and a tiny electric car called Micro Commuter Concept.

Honda displayed a portable battery that is small enough to be carried inside electric cars and plug-ins, and even on small electric scooters.

However, even with the green innovations, Koji Endo, auto analyst with Advanced Research Japan, says that Japanese automakers are still struggling.

"The car industry in Japan is still in really big trouble. And many of the car makers including Toyota, Honda - they are struggling in making money," he said.

Tokyo Motor show opens to the public on Saturday 3 December and runs until 11 December.

1. Tracking shot of Nissan "Pivo3", pan to Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Company walking onto stage, AUDIO: presentation music

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co:

"The time when an automaker could focus only on the vehicle is over. Look at the concept cars here today. These are not exercises in design fantasy but viable transport solutions for tomorrow's digitally connected urban societies where smart houses and smart communities support zero emission mobility."

3. Various of unveiling of the newest plug-in hybrid "Prius PHV", AUDIO: presentation music

4. Wide of President of Toyota Motor Corp, Akio Toyoda, appearing on stage

5. SOUNDBITE: (Japanese) Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corp:

"Through manufacturing, we aim to envision the future together with our communities. Toyota will not turn its back on Tohoku nor Thailand. Rather, Toyota will work together with people in these regions and aims to be the driving force of their restoration and reconstruction."

6. Pull focus of Toyota emblem on car

7. Various of Toyota "FCV-R" (Fuel Cell Vehicle)

8. Cutaway audience

9. Various of Honda's "Micro Commuter Concept" car

10. Set up of auto analyst Koji Endo looking at cars

11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Koji Endo, auto analyst, Advanced Research Japan:

"The car industry in Japan is still in really big trouble. And many of the car makers including Toyota, Honda - they are struggling in making money. Actually Toyota and Honda are not making any money in the automotive division, partly because of the Tohoku earthquake and partly because of the flood situation in Thailand. But more importantly, strong yen, relatively weak economy here, slowing down Chinese market, and the US market is still kind of struggling, so to speak."

12. Logos of various automakers

13. Various of people attending the auto show

SHOTLIST

London - November 27, 2008

1. Mid sign reading Japan Car - Designs For The Crowded Globe

2. Wide sign reading Japan Car - Designs For The Crowded Globe and people walking in front

3. Wide Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

4. Mid Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Eva Ng Kon Tia, Communications Associate, Nissan:

"Pivo2 is a concept car and it has been developed by Nissan based on market research that showed a lot of people have experienced difficulty with parallel parking, parking in general. So this car is revolutionary because the cabin rotates 360 degrees, so it allows you just to rotate the cabin, the wheels rotate as well and you just go straight through the parking. It's also an electric vehicle, so Pivo2 has been developed to have independence of 120 kilometres, so you can be health conscious and you know, saving the environment conscious."

6. Close Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

7. Pull out Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

8. Close Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

9. Wide Honda Insight

10. Set up shot Shigeru Ban, Architect

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Shigeru Ban, Architect:

"In Europe especially the car is a purely transportation means to go from one place to one place as quickly as possible. But the Japanese design is not simply the transportation means but also that it is the extension of your house or your room because our living space is a lot smaller so young people try to escape from parents so they use the car as an extension of your house or room. So that is also very different and also some of the cars that you see here it's like a Japanese traditional house. If you open up all the sliding doors you connect the inside and outside. Very flexible - that is a very particular design of the Japanese car."

12. Wide Toyota Plug in HV (Hybrid Vehicle)

13. Various plug in to recharge car battery

14. SOUNDBITE (English) Andrew Nahum, Principle Curator of Technology and Engineering, Science Museum:

"This is the Honda Insight, one of the environmentally responsive cars in the exhibition. Like the Toyota Prius, that everyone has heard of, it uses a petrol engine to or gasoline engine to drive a dynamo, and also charge a battery. And the car can switch intelligently from running on battery power or on petrol engine power if you like, depending on circumstance. The great advantage of the system is it mean that the engine is running at peak efficiency all the time whenever it's on."

15. Pan Honda Insight

16. Pull focus Honda Insight light

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Andrew Nahum, Principle Curator of Technology and Engineering:

"The cars in the exhibition are pointing to a future where the overt styling cues that suggest power, speed and in a way it can be seen as an incitement to aggression disappear in favour of more cubic cars where - if you like - are designed from the inside out. What's important in those cars is that the living space that you inhabit not, if you like, the impression it gives to the neighbours. So they are looking to a future which is much more collaborative, more gentle and where cars have to co-operate more in order for you to get around and get your journey done on time."

18. Pan Daihatsu Tanto to Toyota IQ

19. Wide Toyota bB

20. Tilt up Toyota bB

21. Pan Toyota bB rear light

22. Wide Toyota i-REAL

23. Mid Toyota i-REAL

24. Tilt up Toyota i-REAL

25. Tilt down interior entrance area Science Museum

26. Wide exterior Science Museum

LEAD IN:

It's a question that many economists and designers are asking themselves at the moment: "what will the future of the car industry look like?".

And for some at London's Science Museum the answer could lie in Japan.

STORYLINE:

Is this the vision of the future?

Nissan think so. This environmentally friendly electric car embodies - they say - cutting edge technologies and user-friendly innovations to create an unique car-driver relationship.

The centre piece of Pivo 2's design is its revolving three-person cabin which rotates 360 degrees.

It also also has unique facial and voice-recognition software in the form of a small robot that detects the mood of the driver which could have an impact on driver behaviour like road rage and sleepiness.

Eva Ng Kon Tia is a representative from Nissan.

She says that the Pivo 2 was designed based on market research which revealed that many people have trouble parallel parking.

In addition, she adds that being an electric car it is environmentally friendly.

The Japan Car exhibition also focuses on compact and environmentally friendly cars, showing how Japanese car design reflects the spirit of Japanese culture.

Shigeru Ban is a Japanese architect and one of the organisers of the exhibition.

He says that Japanese car design is more than just about transportation.

He explains that the car is seen as another form of living space because Japan is so crowded.

Environmental concerns are high on the list of Japanese car design.

Climate conscious hybrids are part of the exhibition and have been designed to reduce carbon and other emissions.

Andrew Nahum is Principle Curator of Technology and Engineering at the Science Museum.

He explains that the Honda Insight uses a petrol engine and is also able to charge a battery without affecting efficiency.

Nahum goes on to explain that that the cars in the exhibition reveal a possible future where cars are designed from the inside out.

He says that the emphasis is on the space inside the car acting as a living area rather than as a means to impress others.

Other vehicles featured in the exhibition include the Daihatsu Tanto which maximises inside space, the Toyota IQ which combines compactness and style, the Toyota bB and the futuristic Toyota i-REAL - a personal mobility vehicle.

Japan Car - Designs for the Crowded Globe runs at the Science Museum in London from 29th November 2008 until 19th April 2009. Tickets are �8 (US $12.40).

While next-generation eco-cars in Japan have been dominated by Toyota's hybrid Prius and Nissan's electronic vehicle Leaf, both companies are rolling out not just greener, but sleeker functions and designs this year.

Carlos Ghosn, chief executive at Nissan, heralds the connection of cars to infrastructure.

"The time when an automaker could focus only on the vehicle is over" Ghosn said. Pointing to Nissan's latest line up of vehicles, he stressed "these are not exercises in design fantasy but viable transport solutions for tomorrow's digitally connected urban societies where smart houses and smart communities support zero emission mobility."

The updated version of its futuristic-looking electric car called Pivo 3 - can drive itself, find parking spaces, charge its own battery and even come and pick you up once summoned through your smartphone.

In about a decade, electric vehicles will make up 10 percent of the market as concerns grow about global warming, and governments in the U.S., Japan, Europe and China encourage their sales, says Ghosn.

Meanwhile, Japan's biggest automaker Toyota, flexed its R&D muscles and presented 5 world premiere vehicles at the show. For the auto giant, variety was key.

It rolled out its Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicle (PHV), equipped with a high-capacity lithium ion-battery that can be charged from a household outlet.

Toyota also premiered a concept fuel-cell vehicle (FCV-R) which uses hydrogen as power source and is slated to launch in 2015, as well as a compact electric vehicle (FT-EV III) designed for short-distance trips, scheduled to launch in 2012.

And in the hopes of attracting younger buyers back into the market by making cars "fun to drive, again" - Toyota's new slogan - the auto giant debuted a prototype "86" compact rear-wheel-drive sports car.

"When we talk about the car of the future, we're not just going to be talking about whether its hybrid or plug-in hybrid." Toyota President Akio Toyoda said. "Customers will make their decisions, but their choices will not be limited to just one. I believe there is a place for different cars with different advantages."

Japanese automakers have had a tough few years due to image problems from Toyota's massive recalls and the large production disruptions from the March disasters in northeastern Japan. But green technology remains a strong selling point for car makers such as Toyota Motor Corp. which pioneered broad consumer acceptance of gasoline-electric hybrid cars with its hit Prius.

So with hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electronic vehicles, fuel cells and more coming down the pipeline, where is the next generation eco-friendly car headed? Koji Endo, auto analyst at Advanced Research Japan says despite all the fanfare, he expects hybrids to stay on for the time being.

"I think, looking at 10 years from now, or maybe beyond, electric vehicles seem to be getting more and more attention as practical way. At the same time, there are going to be fuel cell, more advanced type of diesel, and a lot of number of new types of eco-friendly cars available. Still, people's focus is till on the hybrid," says Endo.

As for the Tokyo Motor Show itself, there seems to be a little more hype this year with 52 world premiere vehicles, 15 domestic brands and 24 foreign brands participating. That's a drastic improvement from just 9 foreign brands that were present for the previous show in 2009 that was held in the midst of the global financial crisis after the collapse of Lehman Brothers.

Still, Ford Motor Co. of the U.S. skipped the show, and General Motors Co. had only a tiny corner booth. Just a handful of European manufacturers like Volkswagen AG and BMW are back in Japan this time aiming to woo rich Japanese buyers had full-scale booths.

The show been scaling back in recent years because of the waning importance of Japan as an auto market. Car makers _ including Japan's _ are increasingly looking to China, India and other nations with greater growth potential.

This year, organisers of the show are hoping to attract over 800,000 visitors during the event by bringing it back to Tokyo for the first time in 24 years, extending opening hours, and offering cheaper tickets for visitors who come in the evening.

The Tokyo Motor Show will be open to the public from December 3-11.

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - November 30, 2011

1. Close of Nissan "PIVO3"2. Wide of Carlos Ghosn appearing on stage

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co.

"The time when an automaker could focus only on the vehicle is over. Look at the concept cars here today. These are not exercises in design fantasy but viable transport solutions for tomorrow's digitally connected urban societies where smart houses and smart communities support zero emission mobility."

4. Pull focus on Nissan's emblem

5. Wide of Pivo 3 on stage

6. Close of Pivo 3 tyres

7. Mid of Pivo 3

8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Koji Endo, auto analyst of Advanced Research Japan

"I must say, everybody's talking about still eco-friendly cars such as hybrid and plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. And at the same time, everybody is now trying to focus on small cars, more fuel economical cars, cheap cars, that people can afford to buying those cars."

9. Wide of Toyota's Fuel Cell Vehicle "FCV-R"

10. Close of FCV-R

11. Frontal shot of FCV-R

12. Wide of stage with the newest plug-in hybrid "Prius PHV" and electronic vehicle "FT-EV III" with President of Toyota, Akio Toyoda, standing in front of stage

13. SOUNDBITE: (Japanese) Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corp.

"When we talk about the car of the future, we're not just going to be talking about whether its hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Customers will make their decisions, but their choices will not be limited to just one. I believe there is a place for different cars with different advantages."

14. Pull focus of BMW emblem on car

15. Frontal shot of BMW concept sports car

16. Frontal shot of BMW world premiere hybrid series 5 "Active Hybrid 5"

17. Close pull focus of "Active Hybrid 5" sign on BMW car 18. Mid of display with sign "world premiere" with BMW car 19. Focus shift of Citroen emblem on car 20. Wide of Citroen booth 21. Frontal shot of Volkswagen's "New Bulli"

22. Close of Volkswagen's emblem on car

23. Wide of Volkswagen booth

24. SOUNDBITE: (English) Koji Endo, auto analyst of Advanced Research Japan

"I think, looking at 10 years from now, or maybe beyond, electric vehicles seem to be getting more and more attention as practical way. At the same time, there are going to be fuel cell, more advanced type of diesel, and a lot of number of new types of eco-friendly cars available. Still, people's focus is till on the hybrid."

25. Close of Honda's emblem on its concept electronic vehicle "Micro Commuter"

26. Mid of Honda's Micro Commuter

27. Close of the Micro Commuter with sign: "See you!"

28. Wide of Tokyo Motor Show

29. Wide of logos of various automakers

30. Wide of people attending the auto show

LEADIN:

The race for greener cars is on. Plug-in hybrids and electric cars took centre stage at the Tokyo Auto Show as manufacturers look to fuel efficient technology to reinvigorate growth.

The showcase for Japan's auto industry was holds the media preview on Wednesday ahead of opening to the public on Saturday.

LEADIN :

Car designers are unveiling some unusual and futuristic designs at the Paris Motor Show in a bid to test market reaction.

Among them is a vehicle that has airless tyres.

STORYLINE:

Once every two years, car manufacturers roll into the Paris Motor Show ready to launch their latest four-wheeled designs on the world stage.

From luxurious motors to sporty hatchbacks and concept cars, manufacturers are displaying their vision of the future of motoring.

This beachy looking buggy is called America, a buggy cross over made by Venturi Automobiles, and a 100% electrical vehicle.

Small SUVs, also known as crossovers, are the fastest-growing segment of the market in the U.S. while in Europe sales are expected to grow 40 percent this year after doubling in 2014 according to IHS Automotive.

Nicolas Mauduit, Chief Technical Officer at Venturi Automobiles says they were searching for a unique design.

"We try to propose always new things. We try to achieve niche markets with exclusive customers, so that is (why) we are looking for something different, we think different and propose something we think could be cool to use."

For some 370,000 euros (463,770 US Dollar) (without VAT) wealthy customers with style can purchase 407 HP electric car to take out for a drive on sunny days and stay in a range of 250km provided by the 53kWh Lithium ion battery.

Mauduit says the vehicle is both eco-friendly and boasts good acceleration.

"It is 100% electric vehicle, so it's a battery (equipped) vehicle with two motors at the back linked to the gearbox with two speeds. Two speeds are made to make a very good acceleration. 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds and 0 - 200 km/h in 14 seconds, which is not so bad."

Another concept vehicle testing the water at the Paris Motor Show is MINI's new Superleggera Vision.

It's a collaborative venture between MINI and Italian design and body manufacturing specialists Touring Superleggera.

It's a compact roadster which - according to the manufacturers - focuses on the essentials, those being driving fun and aesthetic appeal.

The Superleggera is said to be a modern interpretation of a class open-top two-seater, combining British style and Italian flair with LED lights, chromed bars, smooth lines and colours.

Sam Livingstone, an automotive design specialist, says it is an interesting combination.

"I mean it's a fascinating car� this mash-up of being an Italian design house crashing into a sort of a very rationalist British brand. It's all about functionality, a very egalitarian brand with handmade Italian thing so the way those two things fuses� kind of a make this strange bastard (illegitimate) child. I think it works, it's a very lovely thing and it's one of the statements of Mini, it shows the boundary of the envelope of what they can do."

There are also several wacky looking personal mobility vehicles on show.

Toyota presented its improved version of i-Road, an ultra compact three wheels vehicle with a look of half car, half scooter.

The Japanese car manufacturer will by the end of the year start a three year test of integration of its electrical vehicle to public transportation in Grenoble, a mid-sized town in south-eastern France.

The vehicle that offers a range of 50km with a speed of 45 km/h, before you have to spend another three-hours recharging it.

"What we are doing in Grenoble is experimenting these very small personal mobility electric vehicles in connection with public transport system. We call it multi-modality transport and we think this is a future of cities in the world," says Jean-Yves Jault, a General Manager of Corporate Communication at Toyota.

Toyota's Coms concept car also appeared at Bridgestone's stand sporting the latest technology tyres, free air tyres that are designed to reduce CO2 emissions and all hassles linked to tyre maintenance.

"It is a tyre made of three parts, it's two circles which are stick to each other, the interior is (made) of plastic resin and on the top of the circle (wheel) comes a kind of a tyre patron in rubber. So in other words, there is no air in the tyre." explains Gert Meylemans, Executive Manager of Corporate Communication at Bridgestone.

" What we see today, one of the biggest problems is that the people just forget to take care of their cars, to check tyre pressure and check tyre trap depth. So that, in the future� one day it won't be necessary anymore with this kind of concept," he adds.

4H, an exclusively electric car manufacturer from Eastern France, are presenting what is perhaps the quirkiest concept car on show.

Based on Suzuki Jimmny platform, 4H is testing the market trying to see if a mix of two seater in a row - buggy - 4X4 - retro - style car would win plaudits.

"For the moment, we are just testing the reaction of the public and we don't want to go as far as designing a fully electric vehicle but if reactions are really positive we may consider making a small production run and, of course, using electric engines," says Thomas Maitre, R&D engineer at 4H Automobiles.

Car shows are the perfect place for manfacturer's to test market reaction to their most futuristic designs says Jason Stein, editor of Automotive news, a US based auto news magazine.

"Autoshows are always great proofing ground, a bit of an incubation lab for car companies to flow out the ideas that could possibly be the next best thing. And let's face it, the car companies are working five to ten years out with cool gadgets, cool gizmos that they can then apply to some of their technology of mainstream vehicles. So it's a testing ground, it's a bit of a litmus test for the public to see if there is some attraction to some of those quirky things. But on the whole, this is a breathing ground for innovation; this is where the industry really comes together to innovate and create some new and exciting products".

One concept that will soon transfer to the road is MINI's new five door version which debuted at the Paris Motor Show.

The sporty feel and identity of the popular little car has been retained, but with a little more space this design is more suitable for families.

A third rear seat means more leg room, and also increased headroom are some advantages that MINI will use to attract new clients.

Starting at 18,300 euros (22,907 US Dollars) , the new 5 door MINI and dozens of other new designs can be seen at Paris Motor Show until October 19th.

AP TELEVISION

Paris, October 3rd 2014

1. Vide of America, buggy cross over made by Venturi Automobiles, 100% electrical vehicle, 400hp

2. Wide tilt up of America, by Venturi Automobiles

3. Mid of America, front side

4. Wide rear view of America, by Venturi Automobiles

5. Wide tracking setup shot of Nicolas Mauduit, Chief Technical Officer at Venturi Automobiles

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Nicolas Mauduit, Chief Technical Officer at Venturi Automobiles :

"We try to propose always new things. We try to achieve niche markets, with exclusive customers, so that's what we are looking for ,something different, we think different and propose something we think could be cool to use."

7. Min of America's dashboard

8. Close up left pan of vehicle commands

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Nicolas Mauduit, Chief Technical Officer at Venturi Automobiles :

"It is 100% electric vehicle, so it's a battery vehicle with two motors at the back linked to the gearbox with two speeds. The two speeds are made to make a very good acceleration. 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds and 0 - 200 km/h power in 14 seconds, which is not so bad."

10. Wide undershot of America, by Venturi Automobiles

11. Wide tilt up from America, by Venturi Automobiles to woman

12. Wide of Mini's electrical concept car 'Superleggera'

13. Wide front view of Mini Superleggera

14. Close up of Mini Superleggera front grill

15. Mid rear view of Mini Superleggera

16. Wide rear view of Mini Superleggera

17. Close up of rear stop light

18. SOUNDBITE (English) Sam Livingstone, automotive design specialist, commenting Mini Superleggera concept car :

"I mean it's a fascinating car� this mash-up of being an Italian design house crashing into a sort of a very rationalist British brand. It's all about functionality, a very egalitarian brand with handmade Italian thing so the way those two things fuses� kind of a make this strange bastard (illegitimate) child. I think it works, it's a very lovely thing and it's one of the statements of Mini, it shows the boundary of the envelope of what they can do."

19. Wide left pan, side view of Mini Superleggera

20. Close up of Mini Superleggera's steering wheel

21. Close up of Mini Superleggera's GPS system

22. Wide right pan of Toyota's i-Road urban electrical car, driving on display

23. Mid tracking shot of i-Road

24. Close up of i-Road's front light

25. SOUNDBITE (English) Jean-Yves Jault, General Manager of Corporate Communications at Toyota

"What we are doing in Grenoble is experimenting these very small personal mobility electric vehicles in connection with public transport system. We call it multi-modality of transport and we think this is a future of cities in the world."

26. Wide side view of i-Road by Toyota

27. Mid of man sitting in i-Road

28. Mid of i-Road interior

29. Close up of i-Road's front wheel

30. Wide right pan from exhibit hall alley to Toyota's Coms concept car on Bridgestone's stand

31. Mid undershot of Bridgestone tyres on Toyota's Coms concept car

32. Mid pull focus of Bridgestone free-air tyres

33. Mid setup shot of Gert Meylemans, Executive Manager of Corporate Communication at Bridgestone

34. SOUNDBITE (English) Gert Meylemans, Executive Manager of Corporate Communication at Bridgestone :

"So basically it is a tyre made of three parts, it has two circles which are stick to each other, the interior is plastic resin and on the top of the circle (wheel) comes a kind of a tyre patron in rubber. So in other words, there is no air in the tyre."

35. Close up pull focus of Bridgestone's air-free tyres

36. Wide undershot of Toyota's concept car with new Bridgestone tyres

37. SOUNDBITE (English) Gert Meylemans, Executive Manager of Corporate Communication at Bridgestone :

"What we see today, one of the biggest problems is that the people just forget to take care of their cars, to check tyre pressure and check tyre trap depth. So that, in the future� one day it won't be necessary anymore with this kind of concept."

38. Wide of 4H Automobiles stand

39. Mid tilt up of 4H Concept car, based on Suzuki Jimmny platform

40. Wide side view of 4H Automobiles Concept car

41. SOUNDBITE (English) Thomas Maitre, R&D engineer at 4H Automobiles :

"For the moment, we are just testing the reaction of the public and we don't want to go as far as designing a fully electric vehicle but if reactions are really positive we may consider making a small production run and, of course, using electric engines."

42. Mid of 4H Automobiles employee getting in 4H concept car

43. Wide front view of 4H Concept car

44. Wide rear view of 4H Concept car

45. Close up of stop light of 4H Concept car

46. Wide side view of Volkswagen XL Sport concept car

47. Wide undershot of Volkswagen XL Sport concept car

48. Wide undershot of Volkswagen XL Sport concept car, turning on display, rear view

49. Wide undershot of Volkswagen XL Sport concept car, turning on display, front view

50. Wide left pan of Exhibit hall

51. SOUNDBITE (English) Jason Stein, editor Automotive news, US based auto news magazine :

"Autoshows are always great proofing ground, a bit of an incubation lab for car companies to flow out the ideas that could possibly be the next best thing. And let's face it, the car companies are working five to ten years out with cool gadgets, cool gizmos that they can then apply to some of their technology of mainstream vehicles. So it's a testing ground, it's a bit of a litmus test for the public to see if there is some attraction to some of those quirky things. But on the whole, this is a breathing ground for innovation; this is where the industry really comes together to innovate and create some new and exciting products."

Paris, France - October 2, 2014

52. Various of five door Mini

SWITZERLAND HYBRID CARS

LENGTH: 4.56

SOURCE: AP TELEVISION NEWS

RESTRICTION: AP TECH TV CLIENTS ONLY

SHOTLIST:

1. Various exterior motor show

2. Interior motor show

3. Various of Toyota stand, Toyota Prius video in background

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Jozef Vandecruys, marketing manager Toyota:

"Well it's really, let's say a 'hybrid hype.' "

5. Sign reading Hybrid Synergy Drive

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Jozef Vandecruys, marketing manager Toyota:

"I tell you, increase from the customer in environmental concern; increased oil prices; but I think mainly environmental concerns. People are really getting concerned about in what world their grandchildren are going to live".

7. Various of stand (featuring stuffed racoons) from Swiss government campaign highlighting car pollution

8. Prototype electric car,

9. Close up electric car's battery in the boot

10. Various of prototype Bollor� blu car

11. Nissan Pivo electric car; doors closing body spinning on wheel base

12. Close up hostess smiling from inside Pivo

13. Hostess inside electric concept car from Toyota Aygo

14. SOUNDBITE (English) Susanne Wegmann, president of e-mobile association:

"There has been talking about hybrid vehicles for more than one hundred years. But that they are really on the market and are available for everybody, so that everybody can drive, it's been only very recently."

15. Toyota stand

16. Lexus hybrid sedan GS 450 H poster with video in background

17. Various close up of model of sedan

18. Various of hybrid SUV from General Motors

19. Various of Citroen C4 diesel electric hybrid

20. Various of other hybrid cars

22. SOUNDBITE (English) Susanne Wegmann, President of E-mobile Association:

"I don't think it's going to be one standard, but I think it's going to be different 'drive trains' which take up more and more - one will be natural gas."

23. Gas pump

24. Renault Kangoo equipped for natural gas

25. Close up gas tank

26. Pump

27. Various of pump in action

28. Demonstration of distilled cellulosic compost to make ethanol

29. Various of Saab bio power vehicle which runs on ethanol or petrol

30. SOUNDBITE (English) Mario Klaus, Saab marketing manager:

"In Sweden they have the benefit that the ethanol, the fuel itself, is quite cheap, compared to the normal fuel. On the other side for instance in Stockholm you don't pay any parking fees, you don't pay any road pricing and you have tax benefits as well".

31. Tracking shot over floor map of Geneva streets

32. Exterior motorshow, tracking shot interior car at lights

33. Hybrid car owner Nadine Wuillemin driving

34. SOUNDBITE (French) Nadine Wuillemin, owner of hybrid car:

"I wanted a car which consumed less than one hundred litres and polluted less than one hundred and twenty grams of...I don't remember what. And I ticked away the vehicles one by one. It (her car) recharges by itself as you drive, you can follow the consumption here... for example now I am going uphill then the battery is in use, and now, it's recharging, there are the small green lines."

35. Interior motorshow, various of men washing car

36. Honda's prototype home energy station

37. Various Honda Formula 1 driver Jenson Button with Honda CEO Takeo Fukui

38. SOUNDBITE (English) Takeo Fukui, Honda CEO:

"Today we display the FCX concept model which is very close to the next generation of fuel cells vehicles."

39. Honda FCX on stand

40. Various computer animation: Honda FCX driving

SUGGESTED LEAD IN

With the rising cost of petrol, cars powered with alternative fuels have become more and more popular.

And this is no exception at the Geneva International Motor Show where hybrid cars are one of the highlights.

But for anyone that thinks environmentally friendly means boring -- they're in for a surprise.

SUGGESTED VOICE OVER

Alongside the shiny racing cars, this year the Geneva Motorshow also tackled a serious topic - the environmental impact of our addiction to driving.

A number of car manufacturers have been creating vehicles that can run on a variety of alternative energy sources -- cars which both conserve oil and reduce CO2 pollution.

Although there are already many alternatives - this year's buzz word is "hybrid."

SOUNDBITE (English)

"Well it's really, let's say a 'hybrid hype.'"

SUPERCAPTION: Jozef Vandecruys, marketing manager Toyota

And such cars are popular for many reasons.

SOUNDBITE (English)

"I tell you, increase from the customer in environmental concerns, increased oil prices, but I think mainly environmental concerns. People are really getting concerned about in what world their grandchildren are going to live"

SUPERCAPTION: Jozef Vandecruys, marketing manager Toyota

A recent campaign from the Swiss federal government suggests labelling cars to show their level of ecological friendliness.

This Bollor� Blue e-car lasts 250 kilometres before needing to be recharged -- and that only cost two US dollars.

The hybrids Nissan Pivo and Toyota Aygo are both scoring highly --both in manoeuvrability and design.

Despite the buzz here in Geneva, the hybrid car is not a new concept.

SOUNDBITE (English)

"There has been talking about hybrid vehicles for more than one hundred years, but that they have been available on the market and available for everybody, so that everybody can drive, it's been only very recently".

SUPERCAPTION: Susanne Wegmann, president, e-mobile association

A hybrid is a car that runs on more than one fuel -- a car with a standard petrol engine, coupled with an electric motor.

This is not an electric battery that you recharge during the night but a battery that recharges itself while you are driving, picking up all the unused kinetic energy from the engine, and giving it back when the car needs a boost.

The result is less petrol consumption and therefore less pollution.

SOUNDBITE (English)

"I don't think it's going to be one standard, but I think it's going to be different 'drive trains' which take up more and more - one will be natural gas."

SUPERCAPTION: Susanne Wegmann, President, E-mobile Association

Other "alternative fuels" that are not necessarily new are natural gas or methane.

These and LPG -- liquid petroleum gas -- a mixture of two gases: propane and butane have been used to power vehicles for decades.

A new alternative that many are betting on is ethanol or E85, produced via the distillation of bio waste (corn, sugar cane, organic waste).

But to make this the choice of the future, all sorts of incentives are needed.

SOUNDBITE (English)

"In Sweden they have the benefit that the ethanol, the fuel itself, is quite cheap, compared to the normal fuel; on the other side for instance in Stockholm you don't pay any parking fees, you don't pay any road pricing and you have tax benefits as well".

SUPERCAPTION: Mario Klaus, Saab marketing manager)

In this labyrinth of possible choices, which road will the environmentally conscious consumer take?

One Swiss citizen, worried about the environment, did her homework before buying a Honda Civic IMA.

SOUNDBITE (French)

"I wanted a car which consumed less than one hundred litres and polluted less than one hundred and twenty grams of...I don't remember what. And I ticked away the vehicles one by one. It (her car) recharges by itself as you drive, you can follow the consumption here... for example now I am going uphill then the battery is in use, and now, it's recharging, there are the small green lines."

SUPERCAPTION: Nadine Wuillemin, owner of hybrid car

And if the waste product of the car is water -- there is a solution for that too.

Honda has just launched the new FCX fuel cell concept vehicle, which does just that.

SOUNDBITE (English)

"Today we display the FCX Concept model which is very close to the next generation of fuel cells vehicles."

SUPERCAPTION: Takeo Fukui, CEO of Honda

As people become more environmentally conscious, car manufacturers are coming up with more designs to both impress consumers and protect the world we live in.

====

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LEAD-IN:

The ongoing Zika virus emergency has forced one Indian auto maker into rebranding a hatchback it was previously planning to call 'Zica'.

A host of international auto makers - including Chevrolet, Toyota and Jaguar - are showcasing concept cars and latest models at the 2016 India Auto Expo.

STORY-LINE:

Kick start your engines, the 2016 India Auto Expo is go.

In Greater Noida on the outskirts of Delhi, both Indian and international car makers are showcasing their latest models, concepts and hybrid variants for expectant crowds.

The Auto Expo is one of the largest motor shows in Asia, attracting thousands of car enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of the latest in automobile innovation.

General Motors brand Chevrolet is showcasing its 'Beat Activ' concept car.

A youthful and perhaps great-valued vehicle should it ever go into production, according to Chevrolet's Tim Mahoney.

"The vehicle in many ways reflects kind of the DNA of Chevrolet," he says.

"It gets really great styling, it's really youthful. I think it has a performance aspect to it because of the soft roader appeal. And also we expect if it were to really go, really great value that it could offer."

Chevrolet is also showcasing its 'Essentia' which it plans to launch in India next year.

Mahoney, Global Chevrolet's chief marketing officer, says India is one of its top ten markets in the world.

The US carmaker plans to bring ten new vehicles to the country in the next five years.

"Chevrolet is sold in 115 markets around the world but India's really in our top ten," he says.

"It's a priority market for us. Lots of potential. And you can see it here our investment in the stand, in the display, the products that we're bringing.

"We plan to bring over the next five years, ten new products to market here in India."

Luxury carmaker Jaguar invited Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif to launch its new sports saloon, the Jaguar XE. It's priced at over $57,000 USD in the Indian market.

A range of luxury cars built to satisfy the county's growing pool of super-rich motoring enthusiasts are also on display, including this Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Range Rover SUV.

The undisputed leader of India's auto market, Maruti Suzuki, is launching its new compact SUV - the Vitara Brezza.

It's powered by a Diesel Direct Injection System (DDiS) engine. Though the vehicle will initially be available in diesel, the company also plans to launch a petrol version.

"The young customer, the third generation customer, who is considering his car as an extension of his personality, he likes to have this kind of aggressive, bold and energetic features, and that kind of stance we have provided in this vehicle," says Randhir Singh Kalsi from Maruti Suzuki India.

Earlier this year, India's Supreme Court continued its ban on registration of certain new diesel vehicles in Delhi until March 31.

That came as bad news for car makers Mercedes, Toyota and General Motors who petitioned against the ban.

With its unique shape and new hybrid engine, concept race car the Toyota TS030 Hybrid is getting lots of attention.

Though hybrid cars aren't popular in the Indian market, the influx of hybrid concepts and engines here suggests there'll be growth in that sector in years to come.

The World Health Organisation recently (1 February 2016) declared a global emergency over the explosive spread of the Zika virus, linked to birth defects in the Americas.

The ongoing emergency is even having an impact here at the auto show with India's Tata Motors being forced to rebrand a new hatchback vehicle it was previously planning to call 'Zica'.

Despite being unveiled here at the event with 'Zica' branding, Tata Motors senior official, Girish Wagh, says they plan not to use the name and will announce a new one in the coming weeks.

According to Wagh, Zica is an abbreviation of 'Zippy Car'.

"What we have made is a car which is meant for the youth of the country. It's a very zippy car, very good to drive around in the city, therefore we had named it as Zica," he says.

"However, you know this virus Zika has also come up and is kind of taking a shape of an epidemic so we are taking cognisance of that fact.

"We empathise with all those who have been suffering due to this and taking a call on this. Therefore, we have decided to change the name of the car."

Most cars sold in India have price tags of under $8,000 USD.

But global manufacturers are optimistic.

They say with an expanding middle class and growing urbanisation, there are long term prospects for growth in the Indian market.

Though the motor show opens to the public Friday (5 February), members of the media were invited for an advance press preview.

LEAD-IN:

The ongoing Zika virus emergency has forced one Indian auto maker into rebranding a hatchback it was previously planning to call 'Zica'.

A host of international auto makers - including Chevrolet, Toyota and Jaguar - are showcasing concept cars and latest models at the 2016 India Auto Expo.

STORY-LINE:

Kick start your engines, the 2016 India Auto Expo is go.

In Greater Noida on the outskirts of Delhi, both Indian and international car makers are showcasing their latest models, concepts and hybrid variants for expectant crowds.

The Auto Expo is one of the largest motor shows in Asia, attracting thousands of car enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of the latest in automobile innovation.

General Motors brand Chevrolet is showcasing its 'Beat Activ' concept car.

A youthful and perhaps great-valued vehicle should it ever go into production, according to Chevrolet's Tim Mahoney.

"The vehicle in many ways reflects kind of the DNA of Chevrolet," he says.

"It gets really great styling, it's really youthful. I think it has a performance aspect to it because of the soft roader appeal. And also we expect if it were to really go, really great value that it could offer."

Chevrolet is also showcasing its 'Essentia' which it plans to launch in India next year.

Mahoney, Global Chevrolet's chief marketing officer, says India is one of its top ten markets in the world.

The US carmaker plans to bring ten new vehicles to the country in the next five years.

"Chevrolet is sold in 115 markets around the world but India's really in our top ten," he says.

"It's a priority market for us. Lots of potential. And you can see it here our investment in the stand, in the display, the products that we're bringing.

"We plan to bring over the next five years, ten new products to market here in India."

Luxury carmaker Jaguar invited Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif to launch its new sports saloon, the Jaguar XE. It's priced at over $57,000 USD in the Indian market.

A range of luxury cars built to satisfy the county's growing pool of super-rich motoring enthusiasts are also on display, including this Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Range Rover SUV.

The undisputed leader of India's auto market, Maruti Suzuki, is launching its new compact SUV - the Vitara Brezza.

It's powered by a Diesel Direct Injection System (DDiS) engine. Though the vehicle will initially be available in diesel, the company also plans to launch a petrol version.

"The young customer, the third generation customer, who is considering his car as an extension of his personality, he likes to have this kind of aggressive, bold and energetic features, and that kind of stance we have provided in this vehicle," says Randhir Singh Kalsi from Maruti Suzuki India.

Earlier this year, India's Supreme Court continued its ban on registration of certain new diesel vehicles in Delhi until March 31.

That came as bad news for car makers Mercedes, Toyota and General Motors who petitioned against the ban.

With its unique shape and new hybrid engine, concept race car the Toyota TS030 Hybrid is getting lots of attention.

Though hybrid cars aren't popular in the Indian market, the influx of hybrid concepts and engines here suggests there'll be growth in that sector in years to come.

The World Health Organisation recently (1 February 2016) declared a global emergency over the explosive spread of the Zika virus, linked to birth defects in the Americas.

The ongoing emergency is even having an impact here at the auto show with India's Tata Motors being forced to rebrand a new hatchback vehicle it was previously planning to call 'Zica'.

Despite being unveiled here at the event with 'Zica' branding, Tata Motors senior official, Girish Wagh, says they plan not to use the name and will announce a new one in the coming weeks.

According to Wagh, Zica is an abbreviation of 'Zippy Car'.

"What we have made is a car which is meant for the youth of the country. It's a very zippy car, very good to drive around in the city, therefore we had named it as Zica," he says.

"However, you know this virus Zika has also come up and is kind of taking a shape of an epidemic so we are taking cognisance of that fact.

"We empathise with all those who have been suffering due to this and taking a call on this. Therefore, we have decided to change the name of the car."

Most cars sold in India have price tags of under $8,000 USD.

But global manufacturers are optimistic.

They say with an expanding middle class and growing urbanisation, there are long term prospects for growth in the Indian market.

Though the motor show opens to the public Friday (5 February), members of the media were invited for an advance press preview.

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India - 3 February 2016

1. Wide of media waiting for unveiling of Chevrolet's concept car 'Beat Activ' at 2016 Auto Expo near New Delhi

2. Wide of unveiling of Chevrolet Beat Activ concept car and photographers taking pictures

3. Various of Chevrolet Beat Activ concept car

4. Various of Chevrolet Beat Activ concept car interior

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Tim Mahoney, Chief Marketing Officer Global Chevrolet and Global General Motors Marketing Operations Leader:

"The vehicle in many ways reflects kind of the DNA of Chevrolet. It gets really great styling, it's really youthful. I think it has a performance aspect to it because of the soft roader appeal. And also we expect if it were to really go, really great value that it could offer."

6. Mid of Chevrolet Essentia on display

7. Various of people sitting in Chevrolet Essentia

8. Various of Chevrolet Corvette on display

9. Various of Chevrolet Trailblazer on display

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Tim Mahoney, Chief Marketing Officer Global Chevrolet and Global General Motors Marketing Operations Leader:

"Chevrolet is sold in 115 markets around the world but India's really in our top ten. It's a priority market for us. Lots of potential. And you can see it here our investment in the stand, in the display, the products that we're bringing. We plan to bring over the next five years, ten new products to market here in India."

11. Wide of Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif launching the Jaguar XE sports saloon

12. Close of Jaguar logo

13. Mid of Katrina Kaif and Jaguar XE sports saloon

14. Various of Range Rover

15. Various of Maruti Suzuki's Vitara Brezza being unveiled at motor show

15. Various of Maruti Suzuki's Vitara Brezza exterior and interior

16. Close of Maruti Suzuki's logo on Vitara Brezza

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Randhir Singh Kalsi, Executive Director Maruti Suzuki India:

"The young customer, the third generation customer, who is considering his car as an extension of his personality, he likes to have this kind of aggressive, bold and energetic features, and that kind of stance we have provided in this vehicle."

18. Pan right of Toyota stand at motor show

19. Close of Toyota TS030 Hybrid on display

20. Wide of motor show floor

21. Wide of Audi Prologue concept on display

22. Wide of Nissan stand

23. Wide of Nissan X-Trail on display with photographers taking pictures of engine

24. Mid of Nissan hybrid engine on display

25. Wide of Nissan X-Trail rear

26. Various of Renault R.S. 01 sports car on display

27. Tilt up to woman posing with Renault Eolab hybrid concept car

28. Close of Renault Eolab wheel

29. Various of Renault Eolab interior and exterior

30. Wide of BMW's R nineT (left) and BMW S 1000 XR (right) on display at BMW stand

31. Tilt down of BMW R nineT

32. Wide of Mahindra's stand at 2016 Auto Expo

33. Wide of visitor standing on modified Mahindra Thar

34. Close of off-road tyres installed on modified Mahindra Thar

35. Wide of unveiling of Tata Motors' Zica and Hexa models

36. Close of Tata Motors' Zica after unveiling

37. Wide of Tata Motors Chairman Cyrus Mistry (left) and Tim Leverton, Head of Tata Engineering and Research Development (right), posing for photographers with recently unveiled Tata Zica

38. SOUNDBITE (English) Girish Wagh, Program Planning and Project Management Passenger Vehicles, Tata Motors:

"What we have made is a car which is meant for the youth of the country. It's a very zippy car, very good to drive around in the city, therefore we had named it as Zica. However, you know this virus Zika has also come up and is kind of taking a shape of an epidemic, so we are taking cognisance of that fact. We empathise with all those who have been suffering due to this and taking a call on this. Therefore, we have decided to change the name of the car."

39. Various of 1970 Datson Bluebird 1600 SSS on display at Datsun stand

FRANCE CAR SHOW

SOURCE: AP TELEVISION NEWS

RESTRICTIONS: TECHNOLOGY CLIENTS ONLY

LENGTH: 4:05

SHOTLIST:

1. Various exteriors of Paris Auto Show

2. Various interiors of Paris Auto Show

3. Pan down from Dodge stand sign to Dodge car with hostess standing next to it

4. Close up of Dodge hostess

5. Pan down from Venturi stand sign to Venturi Astrolab electro-solar car

6. Pan up from front of Astrolab to wide of Astrolab

7. Various close ups of solar system on Astrolab

8. SOUNDBITE (French) Marianne Hollande, Venturi Automobiles Marketing Manager :

"We are the first in the world to present Astrolab, an electro-solar vehicle. It uses the sunlight to recharge its batteries. It is an inter-urban vehicle with a maximum speed of 120 kilometres (119 miles) and a 110 kilometre (68 mile) autonomy. Right now, it is only a concept car but it will soon be commercialised."

9. Pan down from Landwind stand sign to Landwind X-pedition vehicle

10. Pan of vehicle

11. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Min Li, Asia Auto External Affairs with China :

"The French and German markets being important ones, we would like to start with them before expanding to other world markets."

12. Close up of Landwind brand sign

13. Pan left of Toyota stand

14. Computer monitor in front of Toyota Prius Hybrid

15. Tilt up to Toyota Prius Hybrid cut in half

16. Close up of Prius Hybrid engine

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Colin Hensley, Toyota Europe General manager,:

"In a normal start up situation, you are going to start up in electric mode just with the electric motor driving you, so you pull away silently. When you need some more power as you start to accelerate, gasoline engine would start up as well seamlessly and continuously, you can accelerate on. As you accelerate hard, you then get a combination of power from the gasoline engine, power from the battery driving the electric motor to give you the acceleration and torque that you want."

18. Pan from visitors to Toyota Prius Hybrid

19. Pan from SAAB hostess to SAAB Aero X concept car

20. SOUNDBITE (French) Stephane Huguet, SAAB spokesman :

"When you use petroleum which is a fossil energy stuck in the ground, there is carbon in it, you take this carbon out and transform it and put it in a car and reject it outside. During photosynthesis, plants will absorb a part of it put not everything so you keep on adding CO2 to the atmosphere. When you use ethanol, ethanol is an alcohol made out of beet, sugar cane or wheat fermentation, you take this CO2 out of plants, you transform it and then consume it. And that CO2 taken out of the atmosphere is rejected in the same quantity. So it is a closed circle that does not add CO2 to the atmosphere. That is why we say that in the long run we could reject 75 percent less CO2 than what is used with a fossil energy."

21. Various of SAAB S9-3 Cabriolet Hybrid Biopower concept car

23. Various of SAAB S9-3 Cabriolet Hybrid Biopower engine

25. Visitors in Paris car show

LEAD IN:

Pushing hybrid technology ever further, a number of environmentally friendly vehicles are on display at this year's Paris Auto Show.

STORYLINE:

Motor companies from around the world displayed their 2008 models at the Paris Motor Show.

The Mondial de L'Automobile is expected to showcase more than 60 new designs and concept cars from manufacturers from Detroit to China, and is expected to draw more than a (m) million visitors.

While some vehicle manufacturers stick to tried and tested vehicles and displays, others push the boundaries of technology.

With a greater demand for cleaner cars many manufacturers displayed the latest environmentally friendly designs, including the latest in hybrid technology.

Many hybrid cars incorporate a mixture of technologies such as internal combustion engines, electric motors, battery (electricity) hydrogen and fuel.

And car maker Venturi were in a league of their own with their electro-solar car the Astrolab.

According to Venturi the vehicle can reach a top speed of 120 kilometre per hour (119 miles per hour).

Marianne Hollande from Venturi Automobiles says they are the first company in the world to produce such a car.

It is currently only made-to-order for around Euro92, 000 (US$116, 000).

As well as carmakers from the US and Europe, this years car show also welcomed a number of car manufacturers from China.

On show was the Landwind X-pedition made by JiangLing, the first Chinese car to be sold in Europe.

Asia Auto External Affairs with China spokesperson Min Li says the European market is very important to them.

But along with the less familiar names were household vehicle manufacturers.

The Toyota Prius Hybrid runs on both petrol and an emissions-free electric motor.

Colin Hensley, Toyota's General manager in Europe, explains how the engines work.

While the SAAB Aero X, a fossil free hybrid concept car, has been seen at a number of car shows this year.

Stephane Huguet, SAAB spokesman explains the how the biofuel engine is better for the environment.

SAAB also had it's new S9-3 cabriolet Hybrid Biopower concept car on display.

====

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SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Brussels, Belgium, 13 January 2010

1. Various wides of Brussels Motor Show hall

2. Pan of Lancia cars

3. Medium of Jaguar car

4. Zoom out from Ferrari logo to Ferrari cars

5. Wide shot Citroen prototype car

6. Zoom out of hostesses waving in Fiat car

7. Zoom out Miss Belgium 2010 posing for photographs in Peugeot car

8. Mid of people at Motor Show

10. Medium of Hyundai stand

11. Close of people speaking

12. Medium of Kia Eco Dynamic car

13. Close of Toyota rooftop solar panels

14. Close of Toyota Prius energy monitor

15. SOUNDBITE (English) Eric Deprins, Managing Director Toyota Belgium:

"I believe that you''ll have more diversity of types of motors. So until now it''s more thermodynamic and we have petrol, diesel. I think in the future you will see together pure electric, you will have a hybrid motor and you will have potentially hydrogen motor."

16. Pan of salon to Volkswagen stand

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Jean-Marc Ponteville, Press relations manager Volkswagen import:

"Electricity is probably the energy of the future. Electrical cars will be probably the cars of the future, but nowadays it is not yet ready. Because there are still problems with the batteries for instance. So we believe that electrical cars will come on the market now, Volkswagen will have one electrical car in 2013, it''s the future up, but it will be a very specific product for specific markets and in the future it will become a mass product."

18. Zoom out of Volkswagen eco fuel car

19. SOUNDBITE (English) Jean-Marc Ponteville, Press relations manager Volkswagen import:

"Electricity can be produced with any kind of green ways, so you can get electricity from the wind, water, from the sun, so probably electricity is probably the most flexible energy we could use. And use it at home or even in the car."

20. Pan of Peugeot electric car

21. SOUNDBITE (French) Guido Junius, Formation manager Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg:

"Copenhagen and other events showed that everyone feels they should contribute to help to protect the environment, and we also have to thank the governments for supporting these new technologies and for being ready to reimburse money invested in such cars."

22. Electric car driving in test area

23. Electric car on charge

24. Mid shot electric car charging monitor

25. Zoom out of electric utility vehicle

26. Mid of electric utility vehicle with hood open

27. SOUNDBITE (English) Philippe Coen, CEO of Philco NV:

"There are a lot of people starting to work with solar panels, and when they put solar panels on the roofs they want everything on the electric cars and for the moment there is nothing on the market in utility cars, everybody has come out with the four seat cars, the berline car. And this is the reason why our manufacturer came out with the utility cars just to have the small transport car."

28. Close of Volvo electric car on charge

29. Inside Volvo electric car, turning engine on then driving

30. Wide of Volvo electric car driving in test area

LEAD IN

It''s all about green technologies at this year''s European Motor Show in Brussels, Belgium.

Toyota is showcasing its new Prius, whereas Peugeot is presenting its new 100% electric car the "iOn".

STORYLINE

Despite the economic crisis and the gloominess of the car sector, all the main world manufacturers are present at the European Motor Show in Brussels.

The theme of this year''s event, "Heading for tomorrow", gives a clear sign that emphasis is on the environment and new technologies.

But it is not that obvious to the visitor''s eyes.

Like every motor show, glossy cars, new prototypes and pretty hostesses are in evidence.

Even miss Belgium 2010 is present to help display the cars.

But those green and new technologies can be found revving up at manufacturer stands around the show.

Almost every brand has its own green label, with names like "Eco friendly", "Blue Motion", Eco Fuel", "Blue Drive", "Eco Dynamic".

But what kind of engine will the car of the future have?

Eric Deprins, managing director at Toyota Belgium, says there will be more diversity.

"Until now it''s more thermodynamic and we have petrol, diesel and I think in the future you will see together pure electric, you will have a hybrid motor and you will have potentially hydrogen motor."

The new Toyota Prius, with a solar panel on its rooftop and its hybrid engine, fits the bill.

But for other car manufacturers, it seems that electricity will prevail over other sources of power.

"Electricity is probably the energy of the future. Electrical cars will be probably the cars of the future but nowadays it is not yet ready. Because there are still problems with the batteries for instance. So we believe that electrical cars will come on the market now, Volkswagen will have one electrical car in 2013 it''s the future up, but it will be a very specific product for specific markets and in the future it will become a mass product," says Jean-Marc Ponteville, from Volkswagen group.

According to him, electricity seems to be the ultimate source of power for cars.

"Electricity can be produced with any kind of green ways, so you can get electricity with the wind, water, from the sun, so probably electricity is probably the most flexible energy we could use. And use it at home or even in the car."

All this environmentally friendly sensibility from consumers and manufacturers is quite new, according to Peugeot, which is preparing to launch its 100% electric car the "iOn".

"Copenhagen and other events showed that everyone feels they should contribute to help to protect the environment, and we also have to thank the governments for supporting these new technologies and for being ready to reimburse money invested in such cars," says Guido Junius, formation manager for Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg.

To see electrical cars in action, visitors can head to dedicated hall in the salon, where they can try electric cars with a driver in a test area.

Here we see cars in action and charging, just like any other electric device.

And in the middle of the usual family cars, a plastic utility vehicle, designed for a specific market, as explained by Philippe Coen, CEO of Philco NV.

"There are a lot of people starting to work with solar panels and when they put solar panels on the roofs they want everything on the electric cars and for the moment there is nothing on the market in utility cars, everyone has come out with the four seat cars, the berline car. And this is the reason why our manufacturer came out with the utility cars just to have the small transport car," he says.

To test the car you have to book an appointment with a driver.

Once inside, not a single noise.

Only the lights on the display can tell you that the engine is on, proving that driving can now be completely pollution and noise free.

The 88th edition of the European Motor Show runs until the 24th January 2010.

SHOTLIST:

1. Wide pan of showroom floor at 2007 International Auto Show

2. Mid of man lowering movie screen on the Suzuki Flix car

3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Gene Brown, Vice President of Marketing, Suzuki:

"Well, the basic concept behind Flix is to take the key features of our all new midsize XL-7, our largest, most powerful and most luxurious vehicle we've ever offered, and sort of exaggerate them in a concept vehicle to help get the idea through. And the two key ideas of XL-7 that are accentuated here are very progressive styling of the vehicle, brought to life with a lot of theatre touches like theatre lighting in this vehicle and also our first ever in-vehicle entertainment system. And of course in this case we've taken the entertainment system to a greater extreme with the Flix and a big 50-inch high res (resolution) screen."

4. Tight of Flix sound system

5. Close up of Flix car movie screen

6. Close up of of Flix car projector

7. Pull out from GM logo to dancers dancing around vehicles

8. Medium of dancers dancing around GM vehicles

9. Cut away to close up of photographers

10. Wide pan from audience members throwing balls to stage, UPSOUND (English): "Vote now!"

11. SOUNDBITE (English) David Lyon, General Motors Executive Director of Design for Asia-Pacific:

"And we've done an exercise here in creating GM-Daewoo. It is the 'home room,' we call it, it is the centre for expertise for mini cars for General Motors, and we wanted to look at, and, well maybe if we made small cars, mini cars, more compelling that people would buy it for some other reason than price and fuel economy. They'll buy it because they love the car, because the image is right for them, it has the right mood and character, and they get an inexpensive car with great fuel economy kind of along for the ride.'"

12. Mid of the back of a Toyota Highlander

13. Close up pan of Toyota Highlander logo to logo, reads: "Hybrid Synergy Drive"

14. SOUNDBITE: (English) J.C. Chitwood, Senior Strategic Planner for Toyota Advanced Technologies :

"Well, we'll be introducing, as I said, the hybrid in more and more of our models, and we also believe that hybrid technology can be combined with different fuel sources so whether in the future that's bio diesel or ethanol or fuel cell, that the addition of the Hybrid technology increases the efficiency of whatever you put it with."

15. Pan of show room floor

16. Mid of women working on car engine

17. Wide of showroom floor

18. Wide of exterior of building where show being held

STORYLINE:

With flashy names, bold designs, technological advances and "eco-friendly" rides, the 1,000 cars and trucks at the New York Auto Show 2007 burst onto the scene on Wednesday.

And while fuel efficiency and 'green' cars seemed to be the theme of the day, the coolest thing on the floor was the ultra-extravagant "flix" from Suzuki.

Based on the Suzuki XL-7, the SUV has a clamshell roof that reveals a movie screen. Inside, a complete entertainment system and high-quality sound system completes the package.

Gene Brown, Vice President of Marketing, said Suzuki's 'concept' car is a special-order vehicle, with exaggerated features.

"The two key ideas of XL-7 that are accentuated here are very progressive styling of the vehicle brought to life with a lot of theatre touches like theatre lighting in this vehicle and also our first ever in-vehicle entertainment system. And of course in this case we've taken the entertainment system to a greater extreme with the Flix and a big 50-inch high res (resolution) screen," he said.

General Motors had an entirely different concept in mind with the launch of their triplets: three new models of mini, fuel efficient cars.

Hoping to boost its presence in the ultra-small car market, the company chose the Auto Show to unveil a trio of new Chevrolet mini car concept vehicles designed to grab the attention of young car buyers in urban markets around the world.

The cars, launched with a rock and roll beat and dancers, are called the Beat, a front-wheel drive three-door hatchback powered by a 1.2-litre turbo charged gasoline engine; the Groove, a retro looking front-wheel drive car with a 1-litre diesel engine; and the Trax an 'urban crossover' with an all-wheel-drive system and a 1-litre gas engine.

The cars are not yet in production.

In a novel, interactive move, consumers will have a say in which of those cars eventually hits dealer lots by voting for their favourite model on a GM Web site.

While the vote won't be the final determination on which car is produced, company officials will take it into account when making their decision, they said.

The cars are the first product of what GM is calling its minicar "homeroom," which is a collaboration between GM and Daewoo, as David Lyon, General Motors Executive Director of Design for Asia-Pacific, explained.

"It is the centre for expertise for mini cars for General Motors, and we wanted to look at, well maybe if we created small cars, mini cars, more compelling that people would buy it for some other reason than price and fuel economy. They'll buy it because they love the car, because the image is right for them, it has the right mood and character, and they get an inexpensive car with great fuel economy kind of along for the ride," he said.

GM hopes the vehicles also could give the world's largest automaker a bigger foothold in the growing mini car market, which is largely dominated by the Japanese automakers.

The triplets might sell for as low as 10 thousand US dollars.

GM also hopes the new vehicles will boost Chevrolet's presence as a global brand and plans to market them in urban markets around the world, where mini cars already enjoy greater popularity.

Toyota was also on the floor this year, the tenth anniversary of its hybrid.

"Well, we'll be introducing, as I said, the hybrid in more and more of our models," J.C. Chitwood, Senior Strategic Planner for Toyota Advanced Technologies, explained.

"We also believe that hybrid technology can be combined with different fuel sources so whether in the future that's biodiesel or ethanol or fuel cell, that the addition of the Hybrid technology increases the efficiency of whatever you put it with," she said.

The 2007 New York International Automobile Show opens to the public on Friday, April 6th and runs until April 15th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

LEAD-IN:

Supercars and concepts usually grab all the headlines at auto shows around the world - but what about the cars we actually drive?

These are the latest sedans (saloons) and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) to be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show that will be hitting roads later in the year.

STORY-LINE:

The New York International Auto Show is showcasing a host of family-friendly vehicles to suit almost any price tag.

The American multi-national automaker General Motors (GM) is trying to gain traction in the popular midsize car segment with the introduction of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.

On stage for the launch of this important vehicle in GM's range is Alan Batey, the firm's North American President.

He says: "Ladies and gentlemen the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is the midsize car that we've designed to shatter expectations and surprise those customers who believed that midsize sedans are bland and devoid of performance and technology."

The white Malibu Sedan rolls onto the stage and spins on the turntable for its grand unveiling.

If not daring, its design is sleek and compact but will it be enough to convince buyers to part with their cash in this important market segment?

"Midsize sedan is still the largest segment in the US auto market. It's been under pressure lately because a lot of people are moving toward SUVs, but it is still an extremely important product. General Motors has never really done well in it for about 30 years, but now they came out with the Chevrolet Malibu and it's completely redesigned. They took a lot of the cues from the Impala which is critically acclaimed for its design, very sloping, swooped and kind of coupe-like almost," says Associated Press Auto Writer Tom Krisher.

But the Malibu will have some stiff competition from US market leaders, the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord.

However, despite going up against the industry's heavyweights, Krisher believes there a place for the Malibu in this congested market. He says: "If it lives up to its billing and it drives like they say it does, this car's probably going to be a hit and it may take some share from the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord which are the two leaders in the midsize segment."

GMC is showing off a slightly redesigned Denali sport utility vehicle (SUV) with a revised grill and interior tweaks designed to bring a continuous style across its vehicle line-up.

Helen Emsley, Executive Director at GMC design explains: "One really important thing was the grilles, because we have done some really nice new grills on the full-sized trucks and we're trying to bring them through to the other vehicles so we always have this one standard look across GMC. So we're able to bring the new grilles across, especially the new Denali."

But it's not just exterior changes for the Denali, inside the cabin has also been spruced-up by GMC's design team.

"We added a new interior colour to the SLT, which is the new saddle-look, beige interior and we added the grey interior to the Denali," says Emsley.

And what's a large car without some pavement presence? In this respect the wheels for the Denali get some shiny chrome.

"So we added some new wheels. We added an 18-inch and a 19-inch chrome for the Denali," adds Emsley.

Hyundai unveils its all-new Tucson crossover utility vehicle. The new SUV offers a sporty exterior and interior design, fuel efficiency is also given top billing.

The only problem is oil prices have been suffering a slump and remain low, so Hyundai is keen to reinforce its belief that this cannot continue for long.

"Today's fuel prices clearly are not sustainable and once they return to historic levels, Hyundai is going to be uniquely positioned among crossovers with this game-changing technology," says President Dave Zuchowski.

Cadillac also steps up in New York with new offerings, the first of many it intends to introduce in the coming years.

"The CT6 is one of eight all-new vehicles that we will introduce by the end of this decade, in addition to replacing every single one of the vehicles currently in the Cadillac portfolio," says Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen.

The CT6 is GM's latest entry in the big rear-drive luxury sedan category, competing with the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes S-Class.

GM says the flagship CT6 has an aluminium-intensive body with 11 different materials for strength, performance and efficiency.

"Each material has been specifically selected for the optimum application in each of the different areas which it is used, giving us the maximum combination of weight reduction, structural rigidity, safety and crash performance," de Nysschen says.

GM claims its new car will be lighter than the smaller BMW 5-Series. Consumers can choose from a new three-litre twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower, plus two less-powerful engines from the previous generation.

Safety features include night vision that helps identify people and large animals with heat signatures on a dashboard display. Pricing and gas mileage weren't announced.

The New York International Auto Show runs until April 12 at the city's Javits Centre.

AP TELEVISION

New York - April 1, 2015

1. Wide zoom of 2016 Chevrolet Malibu unveil

2. Mid of Alan Batey presenting launch of Malibu

UPSOUND: (English) Alan Batey, General Motors North American President:

"Ladies and gentlemen the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is the midsize car that we've designed to shatter expectations and surprise those customers who believed that midsize sedans are bland and devoid of performance and technology."

3. Tracking shot of the Malibu

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"Midsize sedan is still the largest segment in the US auto market. It's been under pressure lately because a lot of people are moving toward SUVs, but it is still an extremely important product. General Motors has never really done well in it for about 30 years, but now they came out with the Chevrolet Malibu and it's completely redesigned. They took a lot of the cues from the Impala which is critically acclaimed for its design, very sloping, swooped and kind of coupe-like almost."

5. Mid of Malibu

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"If it lives up to its billing and it drives like they say it does, this car's probably going to be a hit and it may take some share from the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord which are the two leaders in the midsize segment."

7. Mid of 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid on turntable

8. Mid of the 2016 Honda Accord

AP TELEVISION

New York - March 31, 2015

9. Wide zoom of the unveiling of the 2016 GMC Denali

10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Helen Emsley, Executive Director, GMC design:

"One really important thing was the grilles, because we have done some really nice new grills on the full-sized trucks and we're trying to bring them through to the other vehicles so we always have this one standard look across GMC. So we're able to bring the new grilles across, especially the new Denali."

11. Various details and wides of the GMC Denali

12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Helen Emsley, Executive Director, GMC design:

"We added a new interior colour to the SLT, which is the new saddle-look, beige interior and we added the grey interior to the Denali."

13. Various of the GMC Denali's interior

14. SOUNDBITE: (English) Helen Emsley, Executive Director, GMC design:

"So we added some new wheels. We have added two new wheel designs. We added an 18-inch and a 19-inch chrome for the Denali."

15. Various of the Denali wheels

AP TELEVISION

New York - April 1, 2015

16. Wide of the 2016 Hyundai Tuscon unveiling

17. SOUNDBITE: (English) Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai America President and CEO

"Today's fuel prices clearly are not sustainable and once they return to historical levels, Hyundai is going to be uniquely positioned among crossovers with this game-changing technology."

18. Mid of the Hyundai Tuscon on turntable

19. SOUNDBITE: (English) Mike O'Brien, Hyundai Vice President of Corporate and Product Planning:

"Tuscon doesn't just look more substantial, it feels more substantial, thanks to a number of structural improvements that enhance driver confidence and control."

20. Mid of the Tuscon interior

21. Mid tilt up of the Tuscon's unveil

22. Close of the Tuscon's interior

23. Wide tilt down of the 2016 Cadillac CT6 unveil

24. SOUNDBITE: (English) Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac President:

"The CT6 is one of eight all-new vehicles that we will introduce by the end of this decade, in addition to replacing every single one of the vehicles currently in the Cadillac portfolio."

25. Wide zoom to 2016 Cadillac CT6 on turn table

26. SOUNDBITE: (English) Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac President:

"Each material has been specifically selected for the optimum application in each of the different areas where it is used, giving us the maximum combination of weight reduction, structural rigidity, safety and crash performance. This approach saved about 200 pounds compared to a predominately steel construction."

27. Wide of a black 2016 Cadillac CT6

SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Frankfurt, Germany - September 14, 2011

1. Mid of row of Smart electric cars plugged into recharging points

2. Mid side shot of Smart "electric drive"

3. Close of battery charger, zoom out to rear of Smart electric drive

4. Mid of prototype carbon chassis of Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell

5. Mid front three quarters of acid green Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell

6. Mid, low angle of Mercedes B-Class F-Cell

7. Mid, side view of Mercedes B-Class F-Cell

8. Cutaway of Dieter Zetsche, CEO Mercedes-Benz, speaking to journalist

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Dieter Zetsche, CEO, Mercedes-Benz:

"We will start with a significantly higher volume of production in 2014 and we foresee in the year 2016, at the latest 17, to accomplish a cost position which is equal or similar to Diesel Hybrid. So within these five to six years we are not only technically but economically fully competitive with this new drive-train as well."

10. Mid of Mercedes B-Class F-Cell, hydrogen fuel pump in foreground

11. Close of recharging station pull out to Porsche Boxster E

12. Close low angle of Porsche Boxster E as visitor opens door

13. Wide of Volkswagen "up!" logo

14. Wide of Volkswagen "up!" cars on stand

15. Mid of white Volkswagen "up!", pull out to wide

16. Mid rear of Volkswagen concept "up!" Azzurra beach car

17. Mid rear of Volkswagen single passenger concept "Nils"

18. Close of Volkswagen concept "Nils"

19. SOUNDBITE (German) Dr. Natascha K�nstner, Volkswagen Research and Development:

"Nils" is a concept car by VW Research and it focuses on micro-mobility, that is to say, urban mobility. It is a single-passenger vehicle, because studies have shown that 70 percent of commuters drive less than 25 kilometres to work, and that 90 percent drive by themselves. That is why it is a single-passenger concept."

20. Close pan right of Volkswagen concept "Nils"

21. Wide of Volkswagen concept "Nils"

22. Close pan right of Audi "urban concept"

23. Close of grille of BMW i8 concept, pull to wide

24. Mid of BMW i8 concept, rotating on stand

25. Mid of BMW i8 concept interior

26. Wide of Rimac Automobili "concept one"

27. Mid of concept one interior

28. SOUNDBITE (Croatian) Mate Rimac, automotive designer and founder of Rimac Automobili:

"Frankfurt Motor Show is the biggest automobile exhibition in the world and we have come here to present our concept. The whole industry is here and our aim is to network and present our work looking at its best."

29. Close of battery block used in Rimac Automobili "concept one"

30. Wide of Rimac Automobili "concept one"

31. Wide of Toyota Prius stand

32. Close of Lithium-ion battery as used in Toyota Prius+, pull out to mid of battery and Prius+ in background

33. Close of Lithium-ion battery, pull out to mid of chassis and wheel

34. Close of Hybrid Synergy Drive engine, pull out to Prius+

Frankfurt, Germany - September 13, 2011

35. Mid side shot of Renault Twizy concept

36. Close pan left of recharging station plug to hooked-up recharger in front side of Renault Twizy concept

37. Wide of Renault Twizy concept

38. Mid of Renault Scenic, with pink vintage Renault in background

39. Close of side of Renault Scenic, reading: 115g/km CO2, Renault eco2

LEAD IN:

The Frankfurt Motor Show is the biggest in the world and is the place to see what tomorrow''s cars today - from zany concept cars to hi-tech hydrogen fuel technology.

There''s no need for a crystal ball, here''s what the car makers think we will be driving in the future.

STORYLINE:

Is this what the garage of the future looks like? A line up of cars plugged into power sockets.

Urban car maker Smart certainly thinks so.

The future drives into town at this year''s IAA Frankfurt Motor Show with manufacturers showing off the latest innovations in hybrid and electric-powered vehicles.

These Smart cars have ditched their traditional one-litre petrol engines for a Tesla lithium-ion battery pack.

These near-production models show what the cars will look like when they hit showrooms in the second quarter of 2012.

The battery has a range of nearly 90 miles and the car has a top speed of 75mph.

Smart is boasting a sprightly performance of 0-40 mph in around five seconds.

At Mercedes, the SLS AMG E-Cell is on display in bright acid green, packing 533 horsepower this fully electric vehicle. Mercedes claim acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just four seconds. Enough to embarrass most gas-guzzling, petrol-powered sports cars away from the lights.

The B-Class F-Cell (fuel cell) runs from another power source altogether - hydrogen.

It has been produced in a limited edition of just 200 units, for select customers. To prove the hydrogen concept works, the cars was driven around the world on all five continents

Mercedes-Benz CEO Dieter Zetsche believes sales of hydrogen vehicles will soon match those of diesel hybrids:

"We will start with a significantly higher volume of production in 2014 and we foresee in the year 2016, at the latest 17, to accomplish a cost position which is equal or similar to Diesel Hybrid. So within these five to six years we are not only technically but economically fully competitive with this new drive-train as well."

On the Volkswagen stand, a new four-seater urban model called the "up!" is attracting attention.

The German car maker is calling the class a New Small Family car.

The basic version comes with a one-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine capable of either 60 or 75bhp.

The Volkswagen "up!" starts at an affordable 9,850 Euros (USD 13,642).

Along with the release of the "up!", which is intended for mass production, several concept studies are on show, including the "up! Azzurra", conceived as a ''beach car''.

Volkswagen is also showing off its single-passenger study "Nils", focusing on urban mobility and single commuters.

Dr. Natascha K�nstner, Volkswagen Research and Development says: "Nils" is a concept car by VW Research and it focuses on micro-mobility, that is to say, urban mobility. It is a single-passenger vehicle, because studies have shown that 70 percent of commuters drive less than 25 kilometres to work, and that 90 percent drive by themselves. That is why it is a single-passenger concept."

Audi has come up with its own similar one-seater study called "urban concept".

It comes with a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis with 21-inch wheels covered by protective plates. A sliding canopy provides access to the car, much like a fighter jet.

At BMW, the "i8" plug-in hybrid concept was all the rage.

It''s a sports car capable of 0-60mph in four and a half seconds and with a top-speed of 155mph.

The four seater "i8" combines an electric motor with a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 220bhp.

The world''s biggest automotive manufacturers are here, but so are some of the smallest, but they don''t lack ambition.

Croatian up-and-coming automotive designer Mate Rimac presented his "concept one" sports car.

According to Rimac, it is the most powerful fully electric performance vehicle in the world packing a white-knuckle 1,088bhp.

He says: "Frankfurt Motor Show is the biggest automobile exhibition in the world and we have come here to present our concept. The whole industry is here and our aim is to network and present our work looking at its best."

The idea for his car came after the team converted an old BMW into a superfast electric race car. Rimac Automobili "concept one" is the result.

At Toyota, holding the majority of patents in hybrid technology, changes to the popular Prius series were presented.

Toyota managed to add an optional third row of seating in its Prius+ due to innovations in making the lithium batteries it uses lighter and smaller.

At Renault, which is on the forefront of affordable hybrid and electric models, the fully electric one-seater study "Twizy" was presented.

The Frankfurt Motor Show continues until September 25, 2011.