LEAD IN:

Japanese auto brand Toyota has showcased the second generation of its hydrogen fuel cell saloon car in the Netherlands.

The all-new Mirai claims a range of 650 kilometres without refuelling and is set for launch this year in Japan, North America and Europe. But lack of infrastructure persists.

STORY-LINE:

While most of the auto industry hurtles toward battery-electric vehicles, Japan's top car maker is also banking on hydrogen.

At an event in Amsterdam, Toyota is showing off its second generation Mirai fuel cell saloon, due for launch later this year in Japan, North America and Europe.

This version claims up to 30 percent more range thanks to a redesigned fuel cell system and new three-tank layout.

According to communications executive Vincent Dewaersegger, that means a range of 650 kilometres without refuelling.

"It's a small revolution, it can do 650 kilometres in one tank," he says.

"And you should remember, it's five minutes to refuel for a hundred percent refuel-refill, which is very good."

Toyota first introduced its hydrogen-powered Mirai sedan back in 2014 and has since sold 10,000 models.

A fuel cell mixes hydrogen with the oxygen in the air to generate electricity that can power a motor.

The main challenge is a lack of infrastructure. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), there are currently just 125 hydrogen stations in the EU.

Toyota is also showing off its new RAV4 plug-in hybrid in Amsterdam.

It's the fifth generation of the popular SUV and the first to offer a plug-in hybrid option.

Toyota luxury brand Lexus is showcasing a future vision of electric cars with this LF-30 concept car.

The LF-30 offers a vision of electric mobility in the 2030s with autonomous driving technologies and four in-wheel electric motors.

A steer-by-wire system eliminates mechanical connections, allowing more flexible control.

"It's not easy to define what type of car this is," says designer Ian Cartabiano.

"So, it's somewhere in between sedan, coupe, crossover, ultimate luxury car. I'm excited by the fact that we created a new category of luxury performance vehicle."

Lexus is also presenting the UX 300e, its first electric vehicle.

Its 54.3 kWh lithium-ion battery claims a range of 400 kilometres and a top speed of 160 kilometres per-hour.

Toyota's new GR Supra runs on traditional petrol.

With the new two-litre version, Toyota says it has lessened the weight, meaning a different driving experience.

"The biggest difference is the weight," says marketing executive Tatsuya Namura.

"There's a reduction of 100 kilograms, which really influences how the car drives and how you feel the car is driving."

Toyota also used the Amsterdam event to launch its new high-tech mobility brand, Kinto.

Under pressure from rideshare companies Uber and Lyft, Toyota is planning to offer car-sharing and ride-hailing services through Kinto.

"These customers of the future don't just want to own vehicles, they want to use them, some people want to just lease them, don't put them on their balance sheet," says Johan van Zyl, the president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.

"So therefore, we also need to ensure that we will be able to deliver on the new mobility services to customers and that we've launched today the Kinto brand, which is (an) umbrella brand for all the mobility services we're going to launch in Europe in future."

Amsterdam, Netherlands - 14 January 2020

1. Wide of screen, showing promo for new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

2. Various of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Vincent Dewaersegger, Communications Executive, Toyota:

"The platform has been designed from the beginning for hydrogen component, so we could really have much more freedom in terms of styling, and we could have this kind of a coupe-like styling. Also, it's a new technology, more efficient and also, we have more tank capacity, more tanks. So that means the two together, we can really increase the range by 30 percent. So, it's quite, for me, it's a small revolution, it can do 650 kilometres in one tank. And you should remember, it's five minutes to refuel for a hundred percent refuel-refill, which is very good."

4. Mid of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

5. Mid of screen, showing new Toyota Mirai's hydrogen tanks

6. Mid of screen, showing new Toyota Mirai's range and refuelling time

7. Wide of new Toyota Mirai

8. Various of new Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid SUV

9. Various of new Lexus LF-30 electric concept car

10. Setup shot of Ian Cartabiano, LF-30 Chief Designer, opening LF-30 door

11. Close of Lexus LF-30 interior

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Ian Cartabiano, LF-30 Chief Designer:

"It's not easy to define what type of car this is. So, it's somewhere in between sedan, coupe, crossover, ultimate luxury car. I'm excited by the fact that we created a new category of luxury performance vehicle. And personally, I really love the profile and I love the shape language of this car. I love how it moves from fluid to extremely sharp at the rear and to me as the artist, that gets me excited."

13. Wide of Lexus LF-30 electric concept car

14. Various of Lexus UX300e electric car

15. Various of new Toyota GR Supra

16. SOUNDBITE (English) Tatsuya Namura, Marketing Executive, Toyota:

"The biggest difference is the weight. There's a reduction of 100 kilograms, which really influences how the car drives and how you feel the car is driving."

17. Close of new Toyota GR Supra interior

18. Mid of new Toyota GR Supra

19. Wide of Toyota presentation, announcement of Kinto brand

20. Close of Kinto logo onscreen

21. Setup shot of Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, speaking during presentation

22. Wide of screen, reading (English): "Mobility for All"

23. SOUNDBITE (English) Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe:

"These customers of the future don't just want to own vehicles, they want to use them, some people want to just lease them, don't put them on their balance sheet. So therefore, we also need to ensure that we will be able to deliver on the new mobility services to customers and that we've launched today the Kinto brand, which is (an) umbrella brand for all the mobility services we're going to launch in Europe in future."

24. Various of Toyota LQ concept car

25. Various of Toyota personal mobility technology

LEAD IN:

Japanese auto brand Toyota has showcased the second generation of its hydrogen fuel cell saloon car in the Netherlands.

The all-new Mirai claims a range of 650 kilometres without refuelling and is set for launch this year in Japan, North America and Europe. But lack of infrastructure persists.

STORY-LINE:

While most of the auto industry hurtles toward battery-electric vehicles, Japan's top car maker is also banking on hydrogen.

At an event in Amsterdam, Toyota is showing off its second generation Mirai fuel cell saloon, due for launch later this year in Japan, North America and Europe.

This version claims up to 30 percent more range thanks to a redesigned fuel cell system and new three-tank layout.

According to communications executive Vincent Dewaersegger, that means a range of 650 kilometres without refuelling.

"It's a small revolution, it can do 650 kilometres in one tank," he says.

"And you should remember, it's five minutes to refuel for a hundred percent refuel-refill, which is very good."

Toyota first introduced its hydrogen-powered Mirai sedan back in 2014 and has since sold 10,000 models.

A fuel cell mixes hydrogen with the oxygen in the air to generate electricity that can power a motor.

The main challenge is a lack of infrastructure. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), there are currently just 125 hydrogen stations in the EU.

Toyota is also showing off its new RAV4 plug-in hybrid in Amsterdam.

It's the fifth generation of the popular SUV and the first to offer a plug-in hybrid option.

Toyota luxury brand Lexus is showcasing a future vision of electric cars with this LF-30 concept car.

The LF-30 offers a vision of electric mobility in the 2030s with autonomous driving technologies and four in-wheel electric motors.

A steer-by-wire system eliminates mechanical connections, allowing more flexible control.

"It's not easy to define what type of car this is," says designer Ian Cartabiano.

"So, it's somewhere in between sedan, coupe, crossover, ultimate luxury car. I'm excited by the fact that we created a new category of luxury performance vehicle."

Lexus is also presenting the UX 300e, its first electric vehicle.

Its 54.3 kWh lithium-ion battery claims a range of 400 kilometres and a top speed of 160 kilometres per-hour.

Toyota's new GR Supra runs on traditional petrol.

With the new two-litre version, Toyota says it has lessened the weight, meaning a different driving experience.

"The biggest difference is the weight," says marketing executive Tatsuya Namura.

"There's a reduction of 100 kilograms, which really influences how the car drives and how you feel the car is driving."

Toyota also used the Amsterdam event to launch its new high-tech mobility brand, Kinto.

Under pressure from rideshare companies Uber and Lyft, Toyota is planning to offer car-sharing and ride-hailing services through Kinto.

"These customers of the future don't just want to own vehicles, they want to use them, some people want to just lease them, don't put them on their balance sheet," says Johan van Zyl, the president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.

"So therefore, we also need to ensure that we will be able to deliver on the new mobility services to customers and that we've launched today the Kinto brand, which is (an) umbrella brand for all the mobility services we're going to launch in Europe in future."

Amsterdam, Netherlands - 14 January 2020

1. Wide of screen, showing promo for new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

2. Various of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Vincent Dewaersegger, Communications Executive, Toyota:

"The platform has been designed from the beginning for hydrogen component, so we could really have much more freedom in terms of styling, and we could have this kind of a coupe-like styling. Also, it's a new technology, more efficient and also, we have more tank capacity, more tanks. So that means the two together, we can really increase the range by 30 percent. So, it's quite, for me, it's a small revolution, it can do 650 kilometres in one tank. And you should remember, it's five minutes to refuel for a hundred percent refuel-refill, which is very good."

4. Mid of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

5. Mid of screen, showing new Toyota Mirai's hydrogen tanks

6. Mid of screen, showing new Toyota Mirai's range and refuelling time

7. Wide of new Toyota Mirai

8. Various of new Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid SUV

9. Various of new Lexus LF-30 electric concept car

10. Setup shot of Ian Cartabiano, LF-30 Chief Designer, opening LF-30 door

11. Close of Lexus LF-30 interior

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Ian Cartabiano, LF-30 Chief Designer:

"It's not easy to define what type of car this is. So, it's somewhere in between sedan, coupe, crossover, ultimate luxury car. I'm excited by the fact that we created a new category of luxury performance vehicle. And personally, I really love the profile and I love the shape language of this car. I love how it moves from fluid to extremely sharp at the rear and to me as the artist, that gets me excited."

13. Wide of Lexus LF-30 electric concept car

14. Various of Lexus UX300e electric car

15. Various of new Toyota GR Supra

16. SOUNDBITE (English) Tatsuya Namura, Marketing Executive, Toyota:

"The biggest difference is the weight. There's a reduction of 100 kilograms, which really influences how the car drives and how you feel the car is driving."

17. Close of new Toyota GR Supra interior

18. Mid of new Toyota GR Supra

19. Wide of Toyota presentation, announcement of Kinto brand

20. Close of Kinto logo onscreen

21. Setup shot of Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, speaking during presentation

22. Wide of screen, reading (English): "Mobility for All"

23. SOUNDBITE (English) Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe:

"These customers of the future don't just want to own vehicles, they want to use them, some people want to just lease them, don't put them on their balance sheet. So therefore, we also need to ensure that we will be able to deliver on the new mobility services to customers and that we've launched today the Kinto brand, which is (an) umbrella brand for all the mobility services we're going to launch in Europe in future."

24. Various of Toyota LQ concept car

25. Various of Toyota personal mobility technology

LEAD IN:

Japanese auto brand Toyota has showcased the second generation of its hydrogen fuel cell saloon car in the Netherlands.

The all-new Mirai claims a range of 650 kilometres without refuelling and is set for launch this year in Japan, North America and Europe. But lack of infrastructure persists.

STORY-LINE:

While most of the auto industry hurtles toward battery-electric vehicles, Japan's top car maker is also banking on hydrogen.

At an event in Amsterdam, Toyota is showing off its second generation Mirai fuel cell saloon, due for launch later this year in Japan, North America and Europe.

This version claims up to 30 percent more range thanks to a redesigned fuel cell system and new three-tank layout.

According to communications executive Vincent Dewaersegger, that means a range of 650 kilometres without refuelling.

"It's a small revolution, it can do 650 kilometres in one tank," he says.

"And you should remember, it's five minutes to refuel for a hundred percent refuel-refill, which is very good."

Toyota first introduced its hydrogen-powered Mirai sedan back in 2014 and has since sold 10,000 models.

A fuel cell mixes hydrogen with the oxygen in the air to generate electricity that can power a motor.

The main challenge is a lack of infrastructure. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), there are currently just 125 hydrogen stations in the EU.

Toyota is also showing off its new RAV4 plug-in hybrid in Amsterdam.

It's the fifth generation of the popular SUV and the first to offer a plug-in hybrid option.

Toyota luxury brand Lexus is showcasing a future vision of electric cars with this LF-30 concept car.

The LF-30 offers a vision of electric mobility in the 2030s with autonomous driving technologies and four in-wheel electric motors.

A steer-by-wire system eliminates mechanical connections, allowing more flexible control.

"It's not easy to define what type of car this is," says designer Ian Cartabiano.

"So, it's somewhere in between sedan, coupe, crossover, ultimate luxury car. I'm excited by the fact that we created a new category of luxury performance vehicle."

Lexus is also presenting the UX 300e, its first electric vehicle.

Its 54.3 kWh lithium-ion battery claims a range of 400 kilometres and a top speed of 160 kilometres per-hour.

Toyota's new GR Supra runs on traditional petrol.

With the new two-litre version, Toyota says it has lessened the weight, meaning a different driving experience.

"The biggest difference is the weight," says marketing executive Tatsuya Namura.

"There's a reduction of 100 kilograms, which really influences how the car drives and how you feel the car is driving."

Toyota also used the Amsterdam event to launch its new high-tech mobility brand, Kinto.

Under pressure from rideshare companies Uber and Lyft, Toyota is planning to offer car-sharing and ride-hailing services through Kinto.

"These customers of the future don't just want to own vehicles, they want to use them, some people want to just lease them, don't put them on their balance sheet," says Johan van Zyl, the president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.

"So therefore, we also need to ensure that we will be able to deliver on the new mobility services to customers and that we've launched today the Kinto brand, which is (an) umbrella brand for all the mobility services we're going to launch in Europe in future."

Amsterdam, Netherlands - 14 January 2020

1. Wide of screen, showing promo for new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

2. Various of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Vincent Dewaersegger, Communications Executive, Toyota:

"The platform has been designed from the beginning for hydrogen component, so we could really have much more freedom in terms of styling, and we could have this kind of a coupe-like styling. Also, it's a new technology, more efficient and also, we have more tank capacity, more tanks. So that means the two together, we can really increase the range by 30 percent. So, it's quite, for me, it's a small revolution, it can do 650 kilometres in one tank. And you should remember, it's five minutes to refuel for a hundred percent refuel-refill, which is very good."

4. Mid of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

5. Mid of screen, showing new Toyota Mirai's hydrogen tanks

6. Mid of screen, showing new Toyota Mirai's range and refuelling time

7. Wide of new Toyota Mirai

8. Various of new Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid SUV

9. Various of new Lexus LF-30 electric concept car

10. Setup shot of Ian Cartabiano, LF-30 Chief Designer, opening LF-30 door

11. Close of Lexus LF-30 interior

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Ian Cartabiano, LF-30 Chief Designer:

"It's not easy to define what type of car this is. So, it's somewhere in between sedan, coupe, crossover, ultimate luxury car. I'm excited by the fact that we created a new category of luxury performance vehicle. And personally, I really love the profile and I love the shape language of this car. I love how it moves from fluid to extremely sharp at the rear and to me as the artist, that gets me excited."

13. Wide of Lexus LF-30 electric concept car

14. Various of Lexus UX300e electric car

15. Various of new Toyota GR Supra

16. SOUNDBITE (English) Tatsuya Namura, Marketing Executive, Toyota:

"The biggest difference is the weight. There's a reduction of 100 kilograms, which really influences how the car drives and how you feel the car is driving."

17. Close of new Toyota GR Supra interior

18. Mid of new Toyota GR Supra

19. Wide of Toyota presentation, announcement of Kinto brand

20. Close of Kinto logo onscreen

21. Setup shot of Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, speaking during presentation

22. Wide of screen, reading (English): "Mobility for All"

23. SOUNDBITE (English) Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe:

"These customers of the future don't just want to own vehicles, they want to use them, some people want to just lease them, don't put them on their balance sheet. So therefore, we also need to ensure that we will be able to deliver on the new mobility services to customers and that we've launched today the Kinto brand, which is (an) umbrella brand for all the mobility services we're going to launch in Europe in future."

24. Various of Toyota LQ concept car

25. Various of Toyota personal mobility technology

LEADIN:

Toyota gave the automotive industry a hydrogen-powered kick at the International CES event in Las Vegas.

The Japanese car manufacturers announced they're set to make available thousands of hydrogen fuel cell patents royalty-free, in a bid to encourage the industry.

Toyota's new sporty-looking hydrogen-powered 'Mirai' is the backdrop for the Japanese auto makers press event at the International CES in Las Vegas.

Bob Carter, who is Senior Vice President of automotive operations at Toyota, explains the mechanics of the vehicle.

"The Toyota Mirai is a mid-sized, four-door sedan - its front wheels are driven by electric motors. The electricity that powers the motors is made on-board, on-demand, as needed by simply combining hydrogen with oxygen, producing zero emissions, other than water vapour."

In the middle of his speech - a moment of drama as the power cut.

"I got you covered," assured Carter, as he connected a wire from the Mirai to re-boot the power in the briefing room and light up a mock-up home on stage.

"This Mirai is capable of supplying enough energy to power your home essentials as well as all of your consumer electronics in an average home for up to a week, in the event of an emergency," explains Carter.

But the high-profile event wasn't about announcing a new vehicle or component, but about giving something away.

In a bid to encourage the hydrogen auto industry to flourish, Carter announced that Toyota is set to invite royalty-free use of approximately 5,680 fuel cell related patents.

That includes critical technologies developed for the new 'Mirai' - which means "the future" in Japanese.

The list includes approximately 1,970 patents related to fuel cell stacks, 290 associated with high-pressure hydrogen tanks, 3,350 related to fuel cell systems' software control and 70 patents related to hydrogen production and supply.

By releasing these patents, Toyota are hoping to encourage the industry to flourish.

"It's obvious that there can be a higher societal value in openly sharing our IP," says Carter.

"By eliminating the traditional corporate boundaries, we can speed the metabolism of everyone's research and development and move into a future of mobility, quicker, more effectively and more economically."

The Toyota executive ended his speech with a quote from former President Abraham Lincoln.

"'The best way to predict the future, is to create it'. And that's what we're doing at Toyota."

Toyota unveiled the 'Mirai' - their first ever hydrogen-powered vehicle - at a press event in Tokyo in November.

The success of the vehicle and other hydrogen cars depends on an infrastructure growing to encourage drivers to buy them.

Other Asian automakers, Honda and Hyundai, are also experimenting with limited sales and leases of fuel cell cars.

Automotive tech is set to be a big talking point at this year's International CES event in Las Vegas.

A variety of self-driving cars and integrated dashboards will demonstrate how seriously the car industry considers putting smart tech into their vehicles.

A record 10 automotive manufacturers are set to exhibit at the event including Toyota, Ford, BMW, Audi and Mercedes.

Automotive exhibits will cover over 165,000 square feet of event space, 17 percent more than last year.

The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will run 6-9 January 2015.

The annual technology event is set to showcase over 3,500 exhibitors including big tech companies like Sony, Samsung and LG.

AP Television

Las Vegas, US - 5 January 2015

1. Various of hydrogen-powered Toyota 'Mirai' vehicle

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Bob Carter, Senior Vice President, Toyota Motor Sales, Automotive Operations:

"'The future' is what the 'Mirai' means in Japanese, and it's arriving in October this year in the US. The Toyota Mirai is a mid-sized, four-door sedan - its front wheels are driven by electric motors. The electricity that powers the motors is made on-board, on-demand, as needed by simply combining hydrogen with oxygen, producing zero emissions, other than water vapour. Unlike other electric cars that rely on large batteries for power, this Mirai can be re-fuelled, as the doctor (Michio Kaku) said, in three to five minutes and travels up about 300 miles on a single fill-up. It will start up in the morning at minus 30 degrees Centigrade, below zero, and as many of you have already heard...(power cuts out) Wait just a moment, this happened in rehearsal - I got you covered (connects vehicle to power 'home' on stage). Now, as I was saying, as many of you already know - this Mirai is capable of supplying enough energy to power your home essentials as well as all of your consumer electronics in an average home for up to a week, in the event of an emergency."

3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Bob Carter, Senior Vice President, Toyota Motor Sales, Automotive Operations:

"Traditionally, intellectual properties are fiercely guarded, because they have great monetary value. But with programmes like the CSRC (Collaborative Safety Research Centre) Steve and our patent announcements today - it's obvious that there can be a higher societal value in openly sharing our IP. By eliminating the traditional corporate boundaries, we can speed the metabolism of everyone's research and development and move into a future of mobility, quicker, more effectively and more economically. Indeed, I believe that today marks a turning point in automotive history. I'm going to close with a quote that captures the idea from President Abraham Lincoln, who said: 'The best way to predict the future, is to create it'. And that's what we're doing at Toyota."

4. Close of screen reading: "Toyota. #ToyotaMirai"

5. Wide of Carter on stage, UPSOUND: (English) "Please accept my thanks for all of you coming and I hope you enjoy CES tomorrow. Good afternoon"; applause

LEADIN:

Toyota is banking on hydrogen fuel cells to achieve its goal of zero-emissions by 2050.

While electric vehicles that run on batteries are best suited for short urban commutes, Toyota believes hydrogen is the more practical energy choice of the future.

STORYLINE:

At the Motomachi car factory in this city named after Toyota, the usual robots with their swinging arms are missing.

Instead, workers intently fit parts into place by hand with craftsmanship-like care.

The big moment on the assembly line comes when bulbous yellow tanks of hydrogen are rolled over and delicately fitted into each car's underside.

While much of the world is going gung-ho for electric vehicles to help get rid of auto emissions and end reliance on fossil fuels, Japan's top automaker Toyota Motor Corp. is banking on hydrogen.

Toyota sells about 10 million vehicles a year around the world. It has sold only about 4,000 Mirai fuel cell vehicles since late 2014, roughly half of them outside Japan.

The Mirai, which means "future," is not cheap at 57,500 US dollars but Toyota loses money on each one. Still, the company's goal is to sell 30,000 fuel-cell vehicles a year by about 2020.

Toyota's chairman, Takeshi Uchiyamada, believes hydrogen is an ideal, stable fuel for a future low-carbon society.

"Upon thinking of what will become the energy of the future, we have been debating both within Japan and internationally about what kind of energy should be our option. There are two main points we need to consider. First, how to realize a low-carbon society to create a society with less CO2 emissions. The second point is to ensure a stable energy supply for the future. In this light, hydrogen holds tremendous potential," says Uchiyamada, known as "the father of the Prius," the world's top-selling hybrid car.

The Prius turned out to be a good bet for Toyota. The Mirai could be the same.

Hydrogen fuel cells don't suffer from limited range drawbacks of many electric vehicles. The Mirai can run for 312 miles (502 kilometers) per fuelling, under U.S. EPA conditions, and fuels as quickly as a regular car.

"It (Hydrogen FCV) certainly has more convenience for users (in comparison to electric vehicles), meaning driving range is much longer and there is not much of difference in time to fill in hydrogen with the conventional gasoline cars. I think that is one of the major features (for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles)," says Uchiyamada.

A fuel cell mixes hydrogen with the oxygen in the air to generate electricity that can power a motor.

Producing the highly flammable gas and getting it into the vehicles requires energy. Ultimately, the idea is to convert energy from renewables like wind and solar power into hydrogen, or even make hydrogen from sewage waste.

Unlike a gas-powered internal combustion engine, the only byproducts from a fuel cell are electricity, heat and water. There are no emissions of pollutants that can cause global warming. Yet the energy unleashed is powerful: Hydrogen is the fuel that sends NASA rockets into space.

So fuel cells could be used to power cars, trains, buses, trucks and forklifts, and to provide electricity and heat for homes.

Detroit-based General Motors Co., Mercedes-Benz of Germany, Japan's Honda Motor Co. and Hyundai of South Korea have also developed fuel cell vehicles that are on the roads in extremely limited numbers.

The global stock of electric vehicles will soon surpass 2 million, according to the International Energy Agency. It's projected to climb to between 9 million-20 million by 2020. Fuel cell vehicles are scarcely a presence.

The Hydrogen Council, made up of 28 companies that are promoting hydrogen fuel, said in a report this week that it expects hydrogen to power about 10 to 15 million cars and 500,000 trucks by 2030. It also forecasts it will be widely used for industries, heating and power and power storage.

The group met this week in Bonn, on the sidelines of the COP23 U.N. meeting on the environment.

Joseph Capparella, a reporter from Car and Driver magazine covered Toyota's concept fuel cell vehicle at the Tokyo Motor Show last month.

He says the concept seems "possible" if the costs are reduced and the technology can be mass produced.

"So, you know, it seems to be possible if it could be streamlined into a more affordable and mass producible technology then, it might be able to catch on but it's hard to say because our society is so deeply entrenched in, what we already know, which is gasoline and electric. So, to enact such a broad shift in the mind of consumers, I think it's a difficult obstacle," says Capparella.

Toyota and other manufacturers pursuing hydrogen fuel cells face some significant hurdles. Japan has an ample 28,000 EV (electric vehicle) charging stations but only 92 hydrogen fuelling stations, and they are costly to build.

"Hydrogen society is something all the players need to work together in order to create it. So, it will need lots of fathers and mothers," says Uchiyamada.

For many automakers, fuel cells are an area just for research, while EVs already are commercialised.

But Toyota's push towards hydrogen power could drive the technology to one day become mainstream.

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

1. Wide of hydrogen tank being placed into Mirai vehicle on assembly line

2. Close of workers fixing the tank

Tokyo, Japan – 18 November 2014

3. Various of the first model of Mirai on test run

4. Various of the display of how hydrogen works inside Mirai

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

5. Wide of Takeshi Uchiyamada looking at manufacturing process of Mirai

6. Close of the shirt of a worker, reading: (English) "Challenge Zero Emission 2050"

7. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chairman, Toyota Motor Corp.:

"Upon thinking of what will become the energy of the future, we have been debating both within Japan and internationally about what kind of energy should be our option. There are two main points we need to consider. First, how to realize a low-carbon society to create a society with less CO2 emissions. The second point is to ensure a stable energy supply for the future. In this light, hydrogen holds tremendous potential."

8. Wide of hydrogen tank being towed inside the plant

9. Mid of hydrogen tank being filled

10. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chairman, Toyota Motor Corp.: ++audio as incoming++

"It (Hydrogen FCV) certainly has more convenience for users (in comparison to electric vehicles), meaning driving range is much longer and there is not much of difference in time to fill in hydrogen with the conventional gasoline cars. I think that is one of the major features (for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles)."

Tokyo, Japan – 25 October 2017

11. Setup shot of Joseph Capparella, Car and Driver magazine

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Joseph Capparella, Car and Driver magazine:

"I think it will depend a lot on if automakers are able to get the cost down because right now the technology is very expensive and difficult to develop. But, I think it's in its early stages. So, you know, it seems to be possible if it could be streamlined into a more affordable and mass producible technology then, it might be able to catch on but it's hard to say because our society is so deeply entrenched in, what we already know, which is gasoline and electric. So, to enact such a broad shift in the mind of consumers, I think it's a difficult obstacle."

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

13. Assembly line worker

14. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chairman, Toyota Motor Corp.

"Hydrogen society is something all the players need to work together in order to create it. So, it will need lots of fathers and mothers."

Tokyo, Japan – 14 November 2017

15. Various of Mirai being filled up at Hydrogen station

LEADIN:

Toyota is banking on hydrogen fuel cells to achieve its goal of zero-emissions by 2050.

While electric vehicles that run on batteries are best suited for short urban commutes, Toyota believes hydrogen is the more practical energy choice of the future.

STORYLINE:

At the Motomachi car factory in this city named after Toyota, the usual robots with their swinging arms are missing.

Instead, workers intently fit parts into place by hand with craftsmanship-like care.

The big moment on the assembly line comes when bulbous yellow tanks of hydrogen are rolled over and delicately fitted into each car's underside.

While much of the world is going gung-ho for electric vehicles to help get rid of auto emissions and end reliance on fossil fuels, Japan's top automaker Toyota Motor Corp. is banking on hydrogen.

Toyota sells about 10 million vehicles a year around the world. It has sold only about 4,000 Mirai fuel cell vehicles since late 2014, roughly half of them outside Japan.

The Mirai, which means "future," is not cheap at 57,500 US dollars but Toyota loses money on each one. Still, the company's goal is to sell 30,000 fuel-cell vehicles a year by about 2020.

Toyota's chairman, Takeshi Uchiyamada, believes hydrogen is an ideal, stable fuel for a future low-carbon society.

"Upon thinking of what will become the energy of the future, we have been debating both within Japan and internationally about what kind of energy should be our option. There are two main points we need to consider. First, how to realize a low-carbon society to create a society with less CO2 emissions. The second point is to ensure a stable energy supply for the future. In this light, hydrogen holds tremendous potential," says Uchiyamada, known as "the father of the Prius," the world's top-selling hybrid car.

The Prius turned out to be a good bet for Toyota. The Mirai could be the same.

Hydrogen fuel cells don't suffer from limited range drawbacks of many electric vehicles. The Mirai can run for 312 miles (502 kilometers) per fuelling, under U.S. EPA conditions, and fuels as quickly as a regular car.

"It (Hydrogen FCV) certainly has more convenience for users (in comparison to electric vehicles), meaning driving range is much longer and there is not much of difference in time to fill in hydrogen with the conventional gasoline cars. I think that is one of the major features (for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles)," says Uchiyamada.

A fuel cell mixes hydrogen with the oxygen in the air to generate electricity that can power a motor.

Producing the highly flammable gas and getting it into the vehicles requires energy. Ultimately, the idea is to convert energy from renewables like wind and solar power into hydrogen, or even make hydrogen from sewage waste.

Unlike a gas-powered internal combustion engine, the only byproducts from a fuel cell are electricity, heat and water. There are no emissions of pollutants that can cause global warming. Yet the energy unleashed is powerful: Hydrogen is the fuel that sends NASA rockets into space.

So fuel cells could be used to power cars, trains, buses, trucks and forklifts, and to provide electricity and heat for homes.

Detroit-based General Motors Co., Mercedes-Benz of Germany, Japan's Honda Motor Co. and Hyundai of South Korea have also developed fuel cell vehicles that are on the roads in extremely limited numbers.

The global stock of electric vehicles will soon surpass 2 million, according to the International Energy Agency. It's projected to climb to between 9 million-20 million by 2020. Fuel cell vehicles are scarcely a presence.

The Hydrogen Council, made up of 28 companies that are promoting hydrogen fuel, said in a report this week that it expects hydrogen to power about 10 to 15 million cars and 500,000 trucks by 2030. It also forecasts it will be widely used for industries, heating and power and power storage.

The group met this week in Bonn, on the sidelines of the COP23 U.N. meeting on the environment.

Joseph Capparella, a reporter from Car and Driver magazine covered Toyota's concept fuel cell vehicle at the Tokyo Motor Show last month.

He says the concept seems "possible" if the costs are reduced and the technology can be mass produced.

"So, you know, it seems to be possible if it could be streamlined into a more affordable and mass producible technology then, it might be able to catch on but it's hard to say because our society is so deeply entrenched in, what we already know, which is gasoline and electric. So, to enact such a broad shift in the mind of consumers, I think it's a difficult obstacle," says Capparella.

Toyota and other manufacturers pursuing hydrogen fuel cells face some significant hurdles. Japan has an ample 28,000 EV (electric vehicle) charging stations but only 92 hydrogen fuelling stations, and they are costly to build.

"Hydrogen society is something all the players need to work together in order to create it. So, it will need lots of fathers and mothers," says Uchiyamada.

For many automakers, fuel cells are an area just for research, while EVs already are commercialised.

But Toyota's push towards hydrogen power could drive the technology to one day become mainstream.

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

1. Wide of hydrogen tank being placed into Mirai vehicle on assembly line

2. Close of workers fixing the tank

Y

Tokyo, Japan – 18 November 2014

3. Various of the first model of Mirai on test run

4. Various of the display of how hydrogen works inside Mirai

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

5. Wide of Takeshi Uchiyamada looking at manufacturing process of Mirai

6. Close of the shirt of a worker, reading: (English) "Challenge Zero Emission 2050"

7. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chairman, Toyota Motor Corp.:

"Upon thinking of what will become the energy of the future, we have been debating both within Japan and internationally about what kind of energy should be our option. There are two main points we need to consider. First, how to realize a low-carbon society to create a society with less CO2 emissions. The second point is to ensure a stable energy supply for the future. In this light, hydrogen holds tremendous potential."

8. Wide of hydrogen tank being towed inside the plant

9. Mid of hydrogen tank being filled

10. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chairman, Toyota Motor Corp.: ++audio as incoming++

"It (Hydrogen FCV) certainly has more convenience for users (in comparison to electric vehicles), meaning driving range is much longer and there is not much of difference in time to fill in hydrogen with the conventional gasoline cars. I think that is one of the major features (for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles)."

Tokyo, Japan – 25 October 2017

11. Setup shot of Joseph Capparella, Car and Driver magazine

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Joseph Capparella, Car and Driver magazine:

"I think it will depend a lot on if automakers are able to get the cost down because right now the technology is very expensive and difficult to develop. But, I think it's in its early stages. So, you know, it seems to be possible if it could be streamlined into a more affordable and mass producible technology then, it might be able to catch on but it's hard to say because our society is so deeply entrenched in, what we already know, which is gasoline and electric. So, to enact such a broad shift in the mind of consumers, I think it's a difficult obstacle."

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

13. Assembly line worker

14. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chairman, Toyota Motor Corp.

"Hydrogen society is something all the players need to work together in order to create it. So, it will need lots of fathers and mothers."

Tokyo, Japan – 14 November 2017

15. Various of Mirai being filled up at Hydrogen station

LEADIN:

Toyota is banking on hydrogen fuel cells to achieve its goal of zero-emissions by 2050.

While electric vehicles that run on batteries are best suited for short urban commutes, Toyota believes hydrogen is the more practical energy choice of the future.

STORYLINE:

At the Motomachi car factory in this city named after Toyota, the usual robots with their swinging arms are missing.

Instead, workers intently fit parts into place by hand with craftsmanship-like care.

The big moment on the assembly line comes when bulbous yellow tanks of hydrogen are rolled over and delicately fitted into each car's underside.

While much of the world is going gung-ho for electric vehicles to help get rid of auto emissions and end reliance on fossil fuels, Japan's top automaker Toyota Motor Corp. is banking on hydrogen.

Toyota sells about 10 million vehicles a year around the world. It has sold only about 4,000 Mirai fuel cell vehicles since late 2014, roughly half of them outside Japan.

The Mirai, which means "future," is not cheap at 57,500 US dollars but Toyota loses money on each one. Still, the company's goal is to sell 30,000 fuel-cell vehicles a year by about 2020.

Toyota's chairman, Takeshi Uchiyamada, believes hydrogen is an ideal, stable fuel for a future low-carbon society.

"Upon thinking of what will become the energy of the future, we have been debating both within Japan and internationally about what kind of energy should be our option. There are two main points we need to consider. First, how to realize a low-carbon society to create a society with less CO2 emissions. The second point is to ensure a stable energy supply for the future. In this light, hydrogen holds tremendous potential," says Uchiyamada, known as "the father of the Prius," the world's top-selling hybrid car.

The Prius turned out to be a good bet for Toyota. The Mirai could be the same.

Hydrogen fuel cells don't suffer from limited range drawbacks of many electric vehicles. The Mirai can run for 312 miles (502 kilometers) per fuelling, under U.S. EPA conditions, and fuels as quickly as a regular car.

"It (Hydrogen FCV) certainly has more convenience for users (in comparison to electric vehicles), meaning driving range is much longer and there is not much of difference in time to fill in hydrogen with the conventional gasoline cars. I think that is one of the major features (for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles)," says Uchiyamada.

A fuel cell mixes hydrogen with the oxygen in the air to generate electricity that can power a motor.

Producing the highly flammable gas and getting it into the vehicles requires energy. Ultimately, the idea is to convert energy from renewables like wind and solar power into hydrogen, or even make hydrogen from sewage waste.

Unlike a gas-powered internal combustion engine, the only byproducts from a fuel cell are electricity, heat and water. There are no emissions of pollutants that can cause global warming. Yet the energy unleashed is powerful: Hydrogen is the fuel that sends NASA rockets into space.

So fuel cells could be used to power cars, trains, buses, trucks and forklifts, and to provide electricity and heat for homes.

Detroit-based General Motors Co., Mercedes-Benz of Germany, Japan's Honda Motor Co. and Hyundai of South Korea have also developed fuel cell vehicles that are on the roads in extremely limited numbers.

The global stock of electric vehicles will soon surpass 2 million, according to the International Energy Agency. It's projected to climb to between 9 million-20 million by 2020. Fuel cell vehicles are scarcely a presence.

The Hydrogen Council, made up of 28 companies that are promoting hydrogen fuel, said in a report this week that it expects hydrogen to power about 10 to 15 million cars and 500,000 trucks by 2030. It also forecasts it will be widely used for industries, heating and power and power storage.

The group met this week in Bonn, on the sidelines of the COP23 U.N. meeting on the environment.

Joseph Capparella, a reporter from Car and Driver magazine covered Toyota's concept fuel cell vehicle at the Tokyo Motor Show last month.

He says the concept seems "possible" if the costs are reduced and the technology can be mass produced.

"So, you know, it seems to be possible if it could be streamlined into a more affordable and mass producible technology then, it might be able to catch on but it's hard to say because our society is so deeply entrenched in, what we already know, which is gasoline and electric. So, to enact such a broad shift in the mind of consumers, I think it's a difficult obstacle," says Capparella.

Toyota and other manufacturers pursuing hydrogen fuel cells face some significant hurdles. Japan has an ample 28,000 EV (electric vehicle) charging stations but only 92 hydrogen fuelling stations, and they are costly to build.

"Hydrogen society is something all the players need to work together in order to create it. So, it will need lots of fathers and mothers," says Uchiyamada.

For many automakers, fuel cells are an area just for research, while EVs already are commercialised.

But Toyota's push towards hydrogen power could drive the technology to one day become mainstream.

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

1. Wide of hydrogen tank being placed into Mirai vehicle on assembly line

2. Close of workers fixing the tank

Y

Tokyo, Japan – 18 November 2014

3. Various of the first model of Mirai on test run

4. Various of the display of how hydrogen works inside Mirai

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

5. Wide of Takeshi Uchiyamada looking at manufacturing process of Mirai

6. Close of the shirt of a worker, reading: (English) "Challenge Zero Emission 2050"

7. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chairman, Toyota Motor Corp.:

"Upon thinking of what will become the energy of the future, we have been debating both within Japan and internationally about what kind of energy should be our option. There are two main points we need to consider. First, how to realize a low-carbon society to create a society with less CO2 emissions. The second point is to ensure a stable energy supply for the future. In this light, hydrogen holds tremendous potential."

8. Wide of hydrogen tank being towed inside the plant

9. Mid of hydrogen tank being filled

10. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chairman, Toyota Motor Corp.: ++audio as incoming++

"It (Hydrogen FCV) certainly has more convenience for users (in comparison to electric vehicles), meaning driving range is much longer and there is not much of difference in time to fill in hydrogen with the conventional gasoline cars. I think that is one of the major features (for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles)."

Tokyo, Japan – 25 October 2017

11. Setup shot of Joseph Capparella, Car and Driver magazine

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Joseph Capparella, Car and Driver magazine:

"I think it will depend a lot on if automakers are able to get the cost down because right now the technology is very expensive and difficult to develop. But, I think it's in its early stages. So, you know, it seems to be possible if it could be streamlined into a more affordable and mass producible technology then, it might be able to catch on but it's hard to say because our society is so deeply entrenched in, what we already know, which is gasoline and electric. So, to enact such a broad shift in the mind of consumers, I think it's a difficult obstacle."

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

13. Assembly line worker

14. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chairman, Toyota Motor Corp.

"Hydrogen society is something all the players need to work together in order to create it. So, it will need lots of fathers and mothers."

Tokyo, Japan – 14 November 2017

15. Various of Mirai being filled up at Hydrogen station

There will only be a few hundred, and they won't be cheap, but Toyota is about to take its first small step into the unproven market for emissions-free, hydrogen-powered vehicles.

The world's largest automaker announced Tuesday that it will begin selling fuel cell cars in Japan on December 15, and in the US and Europe in mid-2015.

The sporty-looking, four-door Toyota Mirai will retail for 6,700,000 yen (57,600 US dollars) before taxes.

Toyota Motor Corp hopes to sell 400 in Japan and 300 in the rest of the world in the first year.

Fuel cell vehicles run on compressed hydrogen gas, which in the Mirai's case is stored in two tanks mounted underneath the vehicle.

They emit no exhaust, though fossil fuels are used in the production of hydrogen and to pressurise it. Both Honda and Hyundai have or are also experimenting with limited sales and leases of fuel cell cars.

Besides the relatively high cost, buyers will have to contend with finding fuel.

Only a few dozen hydrogen filling stations have been built worldwide, though governments are subsidising the construction of more.

It's an uncertain future that depends both on whether makers can bring down the price, and a wide-enough network of filling stations is built.

Sales will be limited to the primarily urban areas that have stations.

In Japan, with about 30 stations, that means the regions around Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya cities in central and western Japan and the northern part of Kyushu island in the south.

A few stations have opened in California in the United States, and there are plans to build some in the Northeast. Germany and the United Kingdom are among European countries that have or plan to build them.

The first buyers are expected to be affluent people who are environmental aware, and governments and companies that want to go green.

The Mirai can travel 650 to 700 kilometers (400-435 miles) on its two tanks of hydrogen.

Hydrogen may be more expensive than gas initially, because there are so few customers but, over time, Toyota expects it will be cheaper to run a car on hydrogen than with gas.vehicles a year.

The company's Executive Vice President Mitsuhisa Kato said he was confident "its innovation will surpass the Prius."

Both Honda and Hyundai have or are also experimenting with limited sales and leases of fuel cell cars.

AP TELEVISION

Tokyo - 18 November 2014

1. Toyota's hydrogen-powered car - "Mirai" appearing on stage

2. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Yoshikazu Tanaka, Toyota Motor Deputy Chief Engineer:

"It is a car of the next century, a car that leads to making a society use hydrogen energy. To realise this concept, we have put in all our advanced technology into the development. As a result, we believe we developed a car that is not only good for the environment, but it is also a vehicle that is fun, quiet, pleasurable and comfortable to drive."

3. Various of Toyota Mirai driving along streets

4. Toyota Motor Executive Vice President Mitsuhisa Kato on stage

5. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Mitsuhisa Kato, Toyota Motor Executive Vice President:

"The FCV (fuel cell vehicle) - if hydrogen energy is once accepted, it will make a great difference in the society. I believe its innovation will surpass the Prius."

6. Logo on car reading (English): "Fuel Cell"

7. Various set up shots of Hans Greimel, auto analyst at Toyota's press conference venue

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

"Well, they often say that the hydrogen fuel cell car is is kind of like the car of the future. But now we finally see the future gradually creeping closer. There hasn't been a lot of effort yet to really make a marketable retail-ready fuel cell car. But here we see Toyota taking a step in that direction where putting of a retail price on a car, which is something that's a little bit new. We're also putting volumes on a car, sales volumes on a car, that's also kind of a new direction. So we're seeing that the fuel cell, hydrogen-powered cars are becoming more of a... creeping closer to reality."

9. Various of exhibited Mirai with open bonnet

10. Fuel Cell logo

JAPAN TOYOTA

SOURCE: AP TELEVISION

RESTRICTIONS: TECHNOLOGY CLIENTS ONLY

LENGTH: 4:22

SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 17 November 2014

1. Various of Toyota's "Mirai"driving by

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 18 November 2014

2. Pan right from media to wide of Mitsuhisa Kato, Toyota Motor Corp Executive Vice President (left) and Yoshikazu Tanaka, Toyota Motor Corp product planning group's Deputy Chief Engineer posing with car

3. Close of Kato and Tanaka

4. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Mitsuhisa Kato, Toyota Motor Corp Executive Vice President:

"The "FCV" - if hydrogen energy is accepted, it will make a great difference in the society. I believe its innovation will surpass the Prius."

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 17 November 2014

5. Low shot of Toyota's "Mirai" driving by

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 18 November 2014

6. Wide of model showing fuel cell system

7. Close of Fuel filler

8. Pan left of model showing fuel cell system

9. Close of Fuel cell stack

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 17 November 2014

10. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Hitoshi Nomasa, Toyota Motor Corp Project Manager of Mirai:

"The fuel cell stack is the heart of this vehicle, and furthermore, the "cell" is the key. Including its reliability, we put much of the effort in reducing the size and maximising the power of the fuel cell stack that had to be installed in an automobile. The mass production technology is also another factor that we focused on and we finally came to this point (of putting it out on the market)."

11. Pan left of Mirai driving by

12. Various of Mirai interior as it drives

13. Wide of Mirai passing by sign reading (English): "JHFC, Japan Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Demonstration Project"

14. Wide of Mirai arriving at hydrogen station pump

15. Various of fuelling process

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 18 November 2014

16. Setup shot of Haans Griemel, Asia Editor of Automotive News, speaking with man

17. Close up of Griemel

18. SOUNDBITE (English) Haans Griemel, Asia Editor of Automotive News:

"The most challenging part of this car's roll out is of course the infrastructure. It's kind of a chicken and egg type of a problem. People want to buy the car only if there's an infrastructure, but there won't be the infrastructure unless people are buying the cars. So, that's the biggest hurdle I would say right now, it's just getting a fuelling network up and running so that people aren't afraid to drive this car across the country."

19. Wide of press conference

20. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Yoshikazu Tanaka, Toyota Motor Corp Product Planning Group's Deputy Chief Engineer:

"Our goal for the release in 2015 was originally decided in 2011 when the infrastructure providers, automakers and the government agreed and announced its plan to have the infrastructure ready by year 2015. We timed it - in a way - to synchronise with the similar movement happening in Europe and in America so we went along with that."

21. Close of Mirai's front interior

22. Close of logo reading (English) "FUELCELL"

23. Wide of Mirai

24. Pull focus of Toyota logo

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 17 November 2014

25. Low shot of Mirai driving past

LEADIN:

Toyota is about to take its first small step into the unproven market of emissions-free, hydrogen-powered vehicles.

The world's largest automaker has announced it will begin selling a limited number of its fuel cell car - named 'Mirai' - from December in Japan and later in mid-2015 across the US and Europe.

STORYLINE:

It's named the Toyota Mirai and now this sporty-looking four-door is stealing all the attention in Tokyo.

At a press event on Tuesday (18 November), the Japanese car manufacturers unveiled their latest creation to the media.

It's set to retail for 6.7 million yen ($57,600 USD) before taxes.

But if you're hoping to get your hands on you'll have to be quick, Toyota Motor Corp only expect to sell 400 in Japan and 300 in the rest of the world in the first year.

More importantly, it represents a seismic shift for the Japanese automakers, the Mirai is their first emissions-free, hydrogen-powered vehicle.

"The "FCV" - if hydrogen energy is accepted, it will make a great difference in the society," says Mitsuhisa Kato, Toyota Motor Corp's executive vice president.

"I believe its innovation will surpass the Prius."

Fuel cell vehicles run on compressed hydrogen gas, which - in Mirai's case - is stored in two tanks mounted underneath the vehicle.

They emit no exhaust, though fossil fuels are used in the production of hydrogen and to pressurise it.

According to those involved with its creation, the most difficult factor in developing the vehicle was its fuel cell stack.

"The fuel cell stack is the heart of this vehicle, and furthermore, the "cell" is the key," says Hitoshi Nomasa, project manager of Mirai.

"Including its reliability, we put much of the effort in reducing the size and maximising the power of the fuel cell stack that had to be installed in an automobile. The mass production technology is also another factor that we focused on and we finally came to this point (of putting it out on the market)."

The stack outputs a maximum of 114 KW.

According to Toyota, the efficiency of its electricity generation has been improved by using 3D fine mesh flow channels to ensure uniform generation on cell surfaces - a world first.

Other Asian automakers, Honda and Hyundai, are also experimenting with limited sales and leases of fuel cell cars.

Honda recently showed off a fuel cell concept.

Besides the relatively high cost, buyers will have to contend with finding fuel - only a few dozen hydrogen filling stations have been built worldwide, though governments are subsidising the construction of more.

It's an uncertain future that depends both on whether makers can bring down the price and if a wide-enough network of filling stations is built.

According to auto analyst Haans Griemel, the most challenging part of selling the FCVs is the problem of infrastructure.

"The most challenging part of this car's roll out is of course the infrastructure," he says.

"It's kind of a chicken and egg type of a problem. People want to buy the car only if there's an infrastructure, but there won't be the infrastructure unless people are buying the cars. So, that's the biggest hurdle I would say right now, it's just getting a fuelling network up and running so that people aren't afraid to drive this car across the country."

Yoshikazu Tanaka, the deputy chief engineer for Toyota's next generation vehicle development, says he expects it will take 10-20 years for the Mirai to reach sales in the tens of thousands of vehicles a year.

This release was timed with what's happening around the world.

"Our goal for the release in 2015 was originally decided in 2011 when the infrastructure providers, automakers and the government agreed and announced its plan to have the infrastructure ready by year 2015," says Tanaka.

"We timed it - in a way - to synchronise with the similar movement happening in Europe and in America so we went along with that."

Toyota faced a similar scenario with its gasoline-electric hybrid - the Prius - which now sells in big numbers.

Hoping to offset the inconvenience of finding fuel, Toyota gave the car a futuristic look inside and out - Mirai means 'future' in Japanese.

It accelerates quickly, from about 40 to 70 kilometres (25 to 45 miles) per hour.

The Japanese government also plans to offer a 2 million yen ($17,136 USD) subsidy to purchasers of fuel cell cars, reducing the effective price to 4.7 million yen ($40,270 USD).

Sales will be limited to the primarily urban areas that have fueling stations.

In Japan, there are about 30 stations.

They're in the regions around Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya cities in central and western Japan and the northern part of Kyushu Island in the south.

A few stations have opened in California in the United States and there are plans to build some in the Northeast.

Germany and the UK are among European countries that have or plan to build them.

According to Toyota, they currently have about 200 pre-orders for the vehicle, mainly from government agencies and companies that want to go green.

The Mirai can travel 650 to 700 kilometres (400-435 miles) on its two tanks of hydrogen.

In the US, its range is 300 miles because of different driving conditions.

Hydrogen may be more expensive than gas initially, because there are so few customers but - over time - Toyota expects it will be cheaper to run a car on hydrogen than gas.

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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

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4038307

LEAD IN:

Hybrid and electric cars are now more popular than diesel variants, at the 2016 Busan Motor Show in South Korea.

25 different brands are displaying more than 230 of the latest models, including South Korea's first electric based autonomous car.

STORY-LINE

Future Wave, Inspiring Technology is the theme at this year's Busan Motor Show.

Car makers at this year's event in South Korea have embraced the challenge, and are showing off their future-oriented, high-performance, eco-friendly cars.

Kia, one of South Korea's top car makers, is introducing the K5 PHEV – its first plug-in hybrid attracting commuters with impressive fuel economy figures.

"Compared to hybrid cars, (K5 PHEV) has a financial benefit (of saving) about five million won (USD 4,200) when driving for three years. Compare to general petrol cars, you can enjoy saving about 8.5 million won (USD 7,157) over three years. So I think (K5 PHEV) is the model which has a dominant position in the economic side and reaches its peak in the technical side of medium sized sedan," says Seo Bowon, Director of Domestic Marketing Group of Kia Motors Coporation.

The K5 PHEV is equipped with 9.8kWh mass storage battery, 50kW motor and 2.0 GDI engine, and it can run in either electric or hybrid mode.

A fully-charged K5 PHEV can drive up to 44 km (27.3 miles) in the electric drive mode. Since city commuters drive 30 to 40km one-way on average, drivers of K5 PHEV can commute by charging it twice a day on average.

Getting a step closer to achieving the industry objective of making completely driverless roads, Kia is also showcasing a fully autonomous car Soul EV, South Korea's first electric based autonomous car.

"What Kia pursues is that putting safety first and then increasing the rate of automation by improving the ADAS. ADAS is the system that analyzes the driving conditions optimally by considering not only the driver's safety but also the passenger and other vehicle's and assists driving when the driver needs. (Kia) pursues the technical development which never gives up the driving pleasure," says Park Dong-il, SeniorVice President of Electronics Technology Centre of Hyundai-Kia Motors Group.

Besides electric cars, there's also a hydrogen-fuelled car presented as a futuristic green vehicle at the exhibition.

Toyota introduces Mirai in South Korea for the first time. Equipped with a motor that runs by electricity generated from a reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in air, Mirai features its strength of no emission of green-house gases and environmental pollution.

"Through applying the Fuel Cell(FC) system that is combined of the hybrid technology and the fuel cell technology which consists of new Toyota FC stacks and high-pressure hydrogen tanks that Toyota has self-developed, the energy efficiency is very high compared to the existing internal combustion engine. Also (Mirai FCV) realises remarkable environment friendly that does not emit carbon dioxide or environmental pollutant and it can run for 650 kilometres by three minutes of hydrogen refueling," says Kang Dae Hwan, Director of Korea Toyota operation.

With the slogan "From Smart Hyrid to Smart Future," Toyota is displaying eight eco-friendly models including Mirai, Toyota i-Road, 4th Generation Prius and RAV4 Hybrid.

Among the eight cars that are introduced to the industry for the first time at the 2016 Busan Motor Show, is Hyundai's premium brand Genesis's G80 and G80.

This is Genesis's second model since the brand was launched. The G80 is a face-lift model of Hyundai's Genesis sedan (a luxury sedan model of Hyundai that has been selling under the brand Hyundai before the company launched an independent premium brand Genesis).

G80 maintains the majority of the design of the Genesis model but is added with more volume and luxury.

Equipped with an improved 3.3 litre/3.8 litre petrol engine and eight-speed transmission, G80 features driving capacity and fuel efficiency that are raised to a higher level compared to the exisitng Genesis model.

"It's not only about products. Obviously, that is the core of our activities making fascinating products.So the G series, as you have just mentioned, we are starting with the G90, today you have now the premiere of G80 and there will be also following as you might know G70 and other vehicle and we have a very, very clear target and focus on entering into this luxury market and being a true competitor at there," says Manfred Fitzgerald, Executive director of Genesis strategy.

Genesis plans to throw a hat in the luxury car market with G80 and compete with luxury sedans such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E class.

The 2016 Busan Motor Show opens to the public 3-12 June.

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4038307

LEAD IN:

Hybrid and electric cars are now more popular than diesel variants, at the 2016 Busan Motor Show in South Korea.

25 different brands are displaying more than 230 of the latest models, including South Korea's first electric based autonomous car.

STORY-LINE

Future Wave, Inspiring Technology is the theme at this year's Busan Motor Show.

Car makers at this year's event in South Korea have embraced the challenge, and are showing off their future-oriented, high-performance, eco-friendly cars.

Kia, one of South Korea's top car makers, is introducing the K5 PHEV – its first plug-in hybrid attracting commuters with impressive fuel economy figures.

"Compared to hybrid cars, (K5 PHEV) has a financial benefit (of saving) about five million won (USD 4,200) when driving for three years. Compare to general petrol cars, you can enjoy saving about 8.5 million won (USD 7,157) over three years. So I think (K5 PHEV) is the model which has a dominant position in the economic side and reaches its peak in the technical side of medium sized sedan," says Seo Bowon, Director of Domestic Marketing Group of Kia Motors Coporation.

The K5 PHEV is equipped with 9.8kWh mass storage battery, 50kW motor and 2.0 GDI engine, and it can run in either electric or hybrid mode.

A fully-charged K5 PHEV can drive up to 44 km (27.3 miles) in the electric drive mode. Since city commuters drive 30 to 40km one-way on average, drivers of K5 PHEV can commute by charging it twice a day on average.

Getting a step closer to achieving the industry objective of making completely driverless roads, Kia is also showcasing a fully autonomous car Soul EV, South Korea's first electric based autonomous car.

"What Kia pursues is that putting safety first and then increasing the rate of automation by improving the ADAS. ADAS is the system that analyzes the driving conditions optimally by considering not only the driver's safety but also the passenger and other vehicle's and assists driving when the driver needs. (Kia) pursues the technical development which never gives up the driving pleasure," says Park Dong-il, SeniorVice President of Electronics Technology Centre of Hyundai-Kia Motors Group.

Besides electric cars, there's also a hydrogen-fuelled car presented as a futuristic green vehicle at the exhibition.

Toyota introduces Mirai in South Korea for the first time. Equipped with a motor that runs by electricity generated from a reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in air, Mirai features its strength of no emission of green-house gases and environmental pollution.

"Through applying the Fuel Cell(FC) system that is combined of the hybrid technology and the fuel cell technology which consists of new Toyota FC stacks and high-pressure hydrogen tanks that Toyota has self-developed, the energy efficiency is very high compared to the existing internal combustion engine. Also (Mirai FCV) realises remarkable environment friendly that does not emit carbon dioxide or environmental pollutant and it can run for 650 kilometres by three minutes of hydrogen refueling," says Kang Dae Hwan, Director of Korea Toyota operation.

With the slogan "From Smart Hyrid to Smart Future," Toyota is displaying eight eco-friendly models including Mirai, Toyota i-Road, 4th Generation Prius and RAV4 Hybrid.

Among the eight cars that are introduced to the industry for the first time at the 2016 Busan Motor Show, is Hyundai's premium brand Genesis's G80 and G80.

This is Genesis's second model since the brand was launched. The G80 is a face-lift model of Hyundai's Genesis sedan (a luxury sedan model of Hyundai that has been selling under the brand Hyundai before the company launched an independent premium brand Genesis).

G80 maintains the majority of the design of the Genesis model but is added with more volume and luxury.

Equipped with an improved 3.3 litre/3.8 litre petrol engine and eight-speed transmission, G80 features driving capacity and fuel efficiency that are raised to a higher level compared to the exisitng Genesis model.

"It's not only about products. Obviously, that is the core of our activities making fascinating products.So the G series, as you have just mentioned, we are starting with the G90, today you have now the premiere of G80 and there will be also following as you might know G70 and other vehicle and we have a very, very clear target and focus on entering into this luxury market and being a true competitor at there," says Manfred Fitzgerald, Executive director of Genesis strategy.

Genesis plans to throw a hat in the luxury car market with G80 and compete with luxury sedans such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E class.

The 2016 Busan Motor Show opens to the public 3-12 June.

AP Television

Busan, South Korea - 2 June, 2016

1. Pan right and pull of Kia's K7 Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) driving onto the stage for its world premiere

2. Pan from the bonnet of K5 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) to the body

3. Wide of K7 HEV and K5 PHEV

4. Wide of K5 PHEV on the stage

5. Close Tilt down from 'KIA' emblem on K5 PHEV to 'K5 Plug-in hybrid'

6. Rear side view of K5 PHEV

7. Close of 'ECO plug-in' sign on K5 PHEV

8. SOUNDBITE: (Korean) Seo Bowon, Director of Domestic Marketing Group of Kia Motors Corporation:

"Compared to hybrid cars, (K5 PHEV) has a financial benefit (of saving) about five million Won (USD 4,200) when driving for three years. Compare to general petrol cars, you can enjoy saving about 8.5 million Won (USD 7,157) over three years. So I think (K5 PHEV) is the model which has a dominant position in the economic side and reaches its peak in the technical side of a medium sized sedan."

9. Wide of Autonomous Vehicle Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) which is based on the first Korean electric car self-driving to the stage

10. Close of empty diver's seat of Autonomous Vehicle Soul EV

11. Wide of Autonomous Vehicle Soul EV arriving to the stage

12. Pan right of Senior Vice President of Electronics Technology Centre of Hyundai Motor Group Park Dong-il getting out of Autonomous Vehicle Soul EV and walking to the stage

13. Wide of Park presenting 'Improved ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Sysyems)' which includes Highway driving information system, Remote smart control system and Anti-collision system

14. SOUNDBITE: (Korean) Park Dong-il, Senior Vice President of Electronics Technology Centre of Hyundai-Kia Motor Group:

"What Kia pursues is putting safety first and then increasing the rate of automation by improving the ADAS. ADAS is the system that analyzes the driving conditions optimally by considering not only the driver's safety but also the passenger and other vehicles and assists driving when the driver needs. (Kia) pursues the technical development which never gives up the driving pleasure. "

15. Wide of Toyota's first mass production type of hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) Mirai being unveiled to the press, which is a Korean premier

16. Close of 'Mirai' sign on the front of Mirai FCV

17. Mid of Mirai FCV on the stage

18. Wide of Mirai FCV on the stage

19. Wide of CEO of Korea Toyota Motor Yoshida Akihisa with Mirai FCV on the stage

20. Front three quarters view of Mirai FCV

21. Close of 'FUELCELL' on Mirai FCV

22. SOUNDBITE: (Korean) Kang Dae Hwan, Director of Korea Toyota operation:

"Through applying the Fuel Cell (FC) system that is combined of the hybrid technology and the fuel cell technology, which consists of new Toyota FC stacks and high-pressure hydrogen tanks that Toyota has self-developed, the energy efficiency is very high compared to the existing internal combustion engine. Also (Mirai FCV) realises remarkably environmentally friendly (driving) that does not emit carbon dioxide or environmental pollutants, and it can run for 650 kilometres on three minutes of hydrogen refuelling."

23. Wide of Genesis's second model of large sedan G80 and G80 Sport being disclosed to the press which is a world premiere

24. Pan from G80 to G80 Sport on the stage

25. Wide of executive director of Genesis strategy Manfred Fitzgerald and Head of Genesis design Luc Donckerwolke presenting on the stage

26. Tilt up from the front of G80 to the body

27. Front three quarters of G80

28. Pan right from the front of G80 to the body

29. Close of the driver's seat of G80

30. Various details inside G80

31. Rear view of G80

32. SOUNDBITE: (English) Manfred Fitzgerald, executive director of Genesis strategy

"It's not only about products. Obviously, that is the core of our activities making fascinating products. So the G series, as you have just mentioned, we are starting with the G90, today you have now the premiere of the G80 and there will be also following as you might know the G70 and other vehicles and we have a very, very clear target and focus on entering into this luxury market and being a true competitor at there."

33. Close of Genesis emblem on G80 Sport

34. G80 Sport on the stage

35. Front of G80 Sport

36. Close of 'G80 Sport' badge on the back of G80 Sport

37. Pan right from the back to the side of G80 Sport

38. Various of Genesis exhibition hall

39. Mid of Mini Convertible at Mini cooper exhibition hall

40. Wide of Busan motor exhibition hall

LENGTH: 5:05

LEAD IN:

Hybrid and electric cars are now more popular than diesel variants, at the 2016 Busan Motor Show in South Korea.

25 different brands are displaying more than 230 of the latest models, including South Korea's first electric based autonomous car.

STORY-LINE

Future Wave, Inspiring Technology is the theme at this year's Busan Motor Show.

Car makers at this year's event in South Korea have embraced the challenge, and are showing off their future-oriented, high-performance, eco-friendly cars.

Kia, one of South Korea's top car makers, is introducing the K5 PHEV – its first plug-in hybrid attracting commuters with impressive fuel economy figures.

"Compared to hybrid cars, (K5 PHEV) has a financial benefit (of saving) about five million won (USD 4,200) when driving for three years. Compare to general petrol cars, you can enjoy saving about 8.5 million won (USD 7,157) over three years. So I think (K5 PHEV) is the model which has a dominant position in the economic side and reaches its peak in the technical side of medium sized sedan," says Seo Bowon, Director of Domestic Marketing Group of Kia Motors Coporation.

The K5 PHEV is equipped with 9.8kWh mass storage battery, 50kW motor and 2.0 GDI engine, and it can run in either electric or hybrid mode.

A fully-charged K5 PHEV can drive up to 44 km (27.3 miles) in the electric drive mode. Since city commuters drive 30 to 40km one-way on average, drivers of K5 PHEV can commute by charging it twice a day on average.

Getting a step closer to achieving the industry objective of making completely driverless roads, Kia is also showcasing a fully autonomous car Soul EV, South Korea's first electric based autonomous car.

"What Kia pursues is that putting safety first and then increasing the rate of automation by improving the ADAS. ADAS is the system that analyzes the driving conditions optimally by considering not only the driver's safety but also the passenger and other vehicle's and assists driving when the driver needs. (Kia) pursues the technical development which never gives up the driving pleasure," says Park Dong-il, SeniorVice President of Electronics Technology Centre of Hyundai-Kia Motors Group.

Besides electric cars, there's also a hydrogen-fuelled car presented as a futuristic green vehicle at the exhibition.

Toyota introduces Mirai in South Korea for the first time. Equipped with a motor that runs by electricity generated from a reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in air, Mirai features its strength of no emission of green-house gases and environmental pollution.

"Through applying the Fuel Cell(FC) system that is combined of the hybrid technology and the fuel cell technology which consists of new Toyota FC stacks and high-pressure hydrogen tanks that Toyota has self-developed, the energy efficiency is very high compared to the existing internal combustion engine. Also (Mirai FCV) realises remarkable environment friendly that does not emit carbon dioxide or environmental pollutant and it can run for 650 kilometres by three minutes of hydrogen refueling," says Kang Dae Hwan, Director of Korea Toyota operation.

With the slogan "From Smart Hyrid to Smart Future," Toyota is displaying eight eco-friendly models including Mirai, Toyota i-Road, 4th Generation Prius and RAV4 Hybrid.

Among the eight cars that are introduced to the industry for the first time at the 2016 Busan Motor Show, is Hyundai's premium brand Genesis's G80 and G80.

This is Genesis's second model since the brand was launched. The G80 is a face-lift model of Hyundai's Genesis sedan (a luxury sedan model of Hyundai that has been selling under the brand Hyundai before the company launched an independent premium brand Genesis).

G80 maintains the majority of the design of the Genesis model but is added with more volume and luxury.

Equipped with an improved 3.3 litre/3.8 litre petrol engine and eight-speed transmission, G80 features driving capacity and fuel efficiency that are raised to a higher level compared to the exisitng Genesis model.

"It's not only about products. Obviously, that is the core of our activities making fascinating products.So the G series, as you have just mentioned, we are starting with the G90, today you have now the premiere of G80 and there will be also following as you might know G70 and other vehicle and we have a very, very clear target and focus on entering into this luxury market and being a true competitor at there," says Manfred Fitzgerald, Executive director of Genesis strategy.

Genesis plans to throw a hat in the luxury car market with G80 and compete with luxury sedans such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E class.

The 2016 Busan Motor Show opens to the public 3-12 June.

LEAD IN:

Hybrid and electric cars are now more popular than diesel variants, at the 2016 Busan Motor Show in South Korea.

25 different brands are displaying more than 230 of the latest models, including South Korea's first electric based autonomous car.

STORY-LINE

Future Wave, Inspiring Technology is the theme at this year's Busan Motor Show.

Car makers at this year's event in South Korea have embraced the challenge, and are showing off their future-oriented, high-performance, eco-friendly cars.

Kia, one of South Korea's top car makers, is introducing the K5 PHEV – its first plug-in hybrid attracting commuters with impressive fuel economy figures.

"Compared to hybrid cars, (K5 PHEV) has a financial benefit (of saving) about five million won (USD 4,200) when driving for three years. Compare to general petrol cars, you can enjoy saving about 8.5 million won (USD 7,157) over three years. So I think (K5 PHEV) is the model which has a dominant position in the economic side and reaches its peak in the technical side of medium sized sedan," says Seo Bowon, Director of Domestic Marketing Group of Kia Motors Coporation.

The K5 PHEV is equipped with 9.8kWh mass storage battery, 50kW motor and 2.0 GDI engine, and it can run in either electric or hybrid mode.

A fully-charged K5 PHEV can drive up to 44 km (27.3 miles) in the electric drive mode. Since city commuters drive 30 to 40km one-way on average, drivers of K5 PHEV can commute by charging it twice a day on average.

Getting a step closer to achieving the industry objective of making completely driverless roads, Kia is also showcasing a fully autonomous car Soul EV, South Korea's first electric based autonomous car.

"What Kia pursues is that putting safety first and then increasing the rate of automation by improving the ADAS. ADAS is the system that analyzes the driving conditions optimally by considering not only the driver's safety but also the passenger and other vehicle's and assists driving when the driver needs. (Kia) pursues the technical development which never gives up the driving pleasure," says Park Dong-il, SeniorVice President of Electronics Technology Centre of Hyundai-Kia Motors Group.

Besides electric cars, there's also a hydrogen-fuelled car presented as a futuristic green vehicle at the exhibition.

Toyota introduces Mirai in South Korea for the first time. Equipped with a motor that runs by electricity generated from a reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in air, Mirai features its strength of no emission of green-house gases and environmental pollution.

"Through applying the Fuel Cell(FC) system that is combined of the hybrid technology and the fuel cell technology which consists of new Toyota FC stacks and high-pressure hydrogen tanks that Toyota has self-developed, the energy efficiency is very high compared to the existing internal combustion engine. Also (Mirai FCV) realises remarkable environment friendly that does not emit carbon dioxide or environmental pollutant and it can run for 650 kilometres by three minutes of hydrogen refueling," says Kang Dae Hwan, Director of Korea Toyota operation.

With the slogan "From Smart Hyrid to Smart Future," Toyota is displaying eight eco-friendly models including Mirai, Toyota i-Road, 4th Generation Prius and RAV4 Hybrid.

Among the eight cars that are introduced to the industry for the first time at the 2016 Busan Motor Show, is Hyundai's premium brand Genesis's G80 and G80.

This is Genesis's second model since the brand was launched. The G80 is a face-lift model of Hyundai's Genesis sedan (a luxury sedan model of Hyundai that has been selling under the brand Hyundai before the company launched an independent premium brand Genesis).

G80 maintains the majority of the design of the Genesis model but is added with more volume and luxury.

Equipped with an improved 3.3 litre/3.8 litre petrol engine and eight-speed transmission, G80 features driving capacity and fuel efficiency that are raised to a higher level compared to the exisitng Genesis model.

"It's not only about products. Obviously, that is the core of our activities making fascinating products.So the G series, as you have just mentioned, we are starting with the G90, today you have now the premiere of G80 and there will be also following as you might know G70 and other vehicle and we have a very, very clear target and focus on entering into this luxury market and being a true competitor at there," says Manfred Fitzgerald, Executive director of Genesis strategy.

Genesis plans to throw a hat in the luxury car market with G80 and compete with luxury sedans such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E class.

The 2016 Busan Motor Show opens to the public 3-12 June.

Busan, South Korea - 2 June, 2016

1. Pan right and pull of Kia's K7 Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) driving onto the stage for its world premiere

2. Pan from the bonnet of K5 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) to the body

3. Wide of K7 HEV and K5 PHEV

4. Wide of K5 PHEV on the stage

5. Close Tilt down from 'KIA' emblem on K5 PHEV to 'K5 Plug-in hybrid'

6. Rear side view of K5 PHEV

7. Close of 'ECO plug-in' sign on K5 PHEV

8. SOUNDBITE: (Korean) Seo Bowon, Director of Domestic Marketing Group of Kia Motors Corporation:

"Compared to hybrid cars, (K5 PHEV) has a financial benefit (of saving) about five million Won (USD 4,200) when driving for three years. Compare to general petrol cars, you can enjoy saving about 8.5 million Won (USD 7,157) over three years. So I think (K5 PHEV) is the model which has a dominant position in the economic side and reaches its peak in the technical side of a medium sized sedan."

9. Wide of Autonomous Vehicle Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) which is based on the first Korean electric car self-driving to the stage

10. Close of empty diver's seat of Autonomous Vehicle Soul EV

11. Wide of Autonomous Vehicle Soul EV arriving to the stage

12. Pan right of Senior Vice President of Electronics Technology Centre of Hyundai Motor Group Park Dong-il getting out of Autonomous Vehicle Soul EV and walking to the stage

13. Wide of Park presenting 'Improved ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Sysyems)' which includes Highway driving information system, Remote smart control system and Anti-collision system

14. SOUNDBITE: (Korean) Park Dong-il, Senior Vice President of Electronics Technology Centre of Hyundai-Kia Motor Group:

"What Kia pursues is putting safety first and then increasing the rate of automation by improving the ADAS. ADAS is the system that analyzes the driving conditions optimally by considering not only the driver's safety but also the passenger and other vehicles and assists driving when the driver needs. (Kia) pursues the technical development which never gives up the driving pleasure. "

15. Wide of Toyota's first mass production type of hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) Mirai being unveiled to the press, which is a Korean premier

16. Close of 'Mirai' sign on the front of Mirai FCV

17. Mid of Mirai FCV on the stage

18. Wide of Mirai FCV on the stage

19. Wide of CEO of Korea Toyota Motor Yoshida Akihisa with Mirai FCV on the stage

20. Front three quarters view of Mirai FCV

21. Close of 'FUELCELL' on Mirai FCV

22. SOUNDBITE: (Korean) Kang Dae Hwan, Director of Korea Toyota operation:

"Through applying the Fuel Cell (FC) system that is combined of the hybrid technology and the fuel cell technology, which consists of new Toyota FC stacks and high-pressure hydrogen tanks that Toyota has self-developed, the energy efficiency is very high compared to the existing internal combustion engine. Also (Mirai FCV) realises remarkably environmentally friendly (driving) that does not emit carbon dioxide or environmental pollutants, and it can run for 650 kilometres on three minutes of hydrogen refuelling."

23. Wide of Genesis's second model of large sedan G80 and G80 Sport being disclosed to the press which is a world premiere

24. Pan from G80 to G80 Sport on the stage

25. Wide of executive director of Genesis strategy Manfred Fitzgerald and Head of Genesis design Luc Donckerwolke presenting on the stage

26. Tilt up from the front of G80 to the body

27. Front three quarters of G80

28. Pan right from the front of G80 to the body

29. Close of the driver's seat of G80

30. Various details inside G80

31. Rear view of G80

32. SOUNDBITE: (English) Manfred Fitzgerald, executive director of Genesis strategy

"It's not only about products. Obviously, that is the core of our activities making fascinating products. So the G series, as you have just mentioned, we are starting with the G90, today you have now the premiere of the G80 and there will be also following as you might know the G70 and other vehicles and we have a very, very clear target and focus on entering into this luxury market and being a true competitor at there."

33. Close of Genesis emblem on G80 Sport

34. G80 Sport on the stage

35. Front of G80 Sport

36. Close of 'G80 Sport' badge on the back of G80 Sport

37. Pan right from the back to the side of G80 Sport

38. Various of Genesis exhibition hall

39. Mid of Mini Convertible at Mini cooper exhibition hall

40. Wide of Busan motor exhibition hall

LENGTH: 5:05

LEADIN

Concept cars are back in vogue at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, with Japanese manufacturers unveiling electric vehicles in numbers that haven't been seen since the pre-crisis years.

Large areas of the show are dedicated to futuristic designs, reflecting the industry's attempts to appeal to consumers both through style and technology.

STORYLINE:

The experts here say things are starting to look up again - starting with this triangular-shaped vehicle with doors that open like wings.

It's Nissan's all-electric "BladeGlider," a three-seater vehicle that is designed with aerodynamics in mind and is powered by a lithium ion battery.

Nissan's President and CEO Carlos Ghosn was on hand at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show to explain the idea behind the concept car.

"The Blade Glider that you see behind me which is a triangular car . . . and this is a shape which is not possible if you are using a normal combustion engine. It is possible only because we have two in-wheel motors moving the car and this allows you a lot of freedom into positioning the driver in the middle of the car and having it triangular and 360 degrees vision and everything which goes with it. This is not only a concept but it is something which precludes the fact that Nissan is going to be extremely innovative thanks to the electric vehicle architecture. Extremely innovative in terms of shape of cars to come."

Nissan is also unveiling the IDx Nismo and IDx Freeflow concept vehicles at the show.

But what is the point of futuristic concept cars when so few come to the market ?

Ghosn explains that they provoke a reaction and act as a platform to try out new ideas.

"The concept cars are here to test. They are here to have a reaction. To have a reaction from our public from our consumers whether they are visiting the motor show or whether they're reacting on the social media. They see the product, they see the concept, they like they don't like, they comment and this is very helpful for us because it's going to trigger or more development around this concept or dropping the concept depending on this. So that's why you see from time to time concept cars that never transform into normal cars or marketable cars but on the contrary a lot of new cars, innovative cars, coming out of the concept car which has been very successful." he says.

One of Toyota's concept cars is this sleek Fun Vehicle 2 (FV2), which does away with the conventional steering wheel and is controlled by the driver's body movements instead.

The scooter-like vehicle interacts with the driver without the use of the conventional steering wheel or brake pedals.

The driver controls the car with body movement leaning to one side to make it turn in a manner that resembles the personal mobility vehicle, the Toyota Winglet.

Takeo Moriai, Project Manager at Toyota Motor Corporation, says that steering it is child's play.

"Our concept was to create a vehicle that intuitively interacted with the driver. These days there are many smartphones and new game consoles that interact with users in different ways but cars still rely on steering wheels and brake pedals. If one can steers a vehicle by just moving their body then even children would be able to use it and driving would be more fun and that's why we wanted to build this car."

Moriai adds that drivers will be able to watch the information screen and the road at the same time: "The front screen will display your destination without obstructing the view of the road in front of you. The area of the screen that does this is still small and one of the things we'll be doing next, is to enlarge it."

Toyota's other headline grabbing concept car is the more conventional looking Fuel Cell concept car.

Nothing is conventional about this car under the hood though.

It has a motor powered by fuel cells which give it an autonomy of between 500-700km (310 - 435 miles) and it can be recharged in just 3 minutes.

Toyota designers explain that the heat generated by the motor is so great that it requires large amounts of air for cooling and this explains the large grill at the front of the car.

Daihatsu, renowned for its smaller car models, is showing off a series of concept kei-cars (or k-cars) popular in the Japanese market with the intention to revive a sector that is normally just known for being economical.

Their new models ranged from models with exceptionally high roofs that offered extra space to the more sporty KOPEN models with panels so easily detachable and replaceable that you can even change the colour of the whole car in minutes.

The level of activity and buzz surrounding this year's motor show hasn't been seen for many years.

Hans Griemel of Automotive News, says that Japanese manufacturers are back in full force: "This year things are back to normal and we have the Japanese back in full force. Lots of concepts here. The stands are bristling with concept vehicles and we need these concept vehicles to kind of show that yes we are thinking again about the future, we are thinking about expansion, we're thinking about growth, and these concept vehicles really underline that push forward by the Japanese".

To whet appetites, automakers are making high-performance, luxury electric versions that give up little or nothing in performance.

BMW's i8 is a hybrid sports car that uses carbon-fibre parts to save weight so it can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 kph) in just 4.5 seconds.

While major US manufacturers are notably missing at this year's show, European manufacturers are present in force with many familiar names from Volvo to Audi, and from BMW to Mercedes all present with large booths.

Even if Japan represents still a relatively small market for many of these companies, many brands have had considerable success especially at the high end of the market spectrum.

Testament to this is BMW's decision to have the worldwide premiere of their 4 Series Cabriolet models here this year.

Some other European manufacturers such as Porsche and Mercedes Benz also have some new releases in Japan.

The luxury market has seen a move away from the excesses of past years and now even premium consumers want to be seen to be environmentally conscious, says BMW Japan's President Alan Harris.

"People are not looking for the excesses of the past. They still want premium but their ideas of premium have changed and they want to have the best of both worlds. They want to be seen to be environmentally conscious and let's say 'green' in some ways but they still want to retain those luxury dynamic premium qualities that they now from the past, especially with a brand like BMW".

After some disappointing years, the 2013 Motor Show seems to be largely reflecting the optimism there is in Japan's much touted economic revival and points to a future that's greener, more efficient and more fun.

Over 400 foreign and domestic vehicles are on display at the biennial Tokyo Motor Show, which hosts over 30 Japanese and foreign automakers as well as dozens of parts makers and industry related exhibitors.

The Tokyo Motor Show opens to the public on Saturday November 23rd and runs until Sunday December 1st.

Tokyo, Japan - 20 November 2013

1. Front shot of Nissan's EV concept car, the Blade Glider with the doors opening automatically.

2. Right to left pan of the Blade Glider with doors open.

3. Shot of interior of Blade Glider

4. Shot of the rear of the Blade Glider

5. Shot of Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor Co.,Ltd. standing nearby the Blade Glider.

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor Co.,Ltd.

"The Blade Glider that you see behind me which is a triangular car . . . and this is a shape which is not possible if you are using a normal combustion engine. It is possible only because we have two in-wheel motors moving the car and this allows you a lot of freedom into positioning the driver in the middle of the car and having it triangular and 360 degrees vision and everything which goes with it. This is not only a concept but it is something which precludes the fact that Nissan is going to be extremely innovative thanks to the electric vehicle architecture. Extremely innovative in terms of shape of cars to come."

7. Ghosn on stage during Nissan's presentation

8. Shot of two more Nissan concept cars (the IDx Freeflow and the IDx NISMO", developed under the brand "Co-creation for young people".

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor Co.,Ltd.

"The concept cars are here to test. They are here to have a reaction. To have a reaction from our public from our consumers whether they are visiting the motor show or whether they're reacting on the social media. They see the product, they see the concept, they like they don't like, they comment and this is very helpful for us because it's going to trigger or more development around this concept or dropping the concept depending on this. So that's why you see from time to time concept cars that never transform into normal cars or marketable cars but on the contrary a lot of new cars, innovative cars, coming out of the concept car which has been very successful."

10. Side shot of the Toyota FV2 concept vehicle.

11. Shot from the rear of the FV2 as Takeo Moriai, Project Manager at Toyota, approaches the vehicle and touches it to open it.

12. Moriai demonstrates how the FV2 is controlled by body movement.

13. Front shot Moriai demonstrates how the FV2 is controlled by body movement.

14. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Takeo Moriai, Project Manager at Toyota Motor Corporation

"Our concept was to create a vehicle that intuitively interacted with the driver. These days there are many smartphones and new game consoles that interact with users in different ways but cars still rely on steering wheels and brake pedals. If one can steers a vehicle by just moving their body then even children would be able to use it and driving would be more fun and that's why we wanted to build this car."

15. Shot from the rear of the FV2

16. Shot of Moriai explaining about the technology of the front screen.

17. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Takeo Moriai, Project Manager at Toyota Motor Corporation

"The front screen will display your destination without obstructing the view of the road in front of you. The area of the screen that does this is still small and one of the things we'll be doing next, is to enlarge it."

18. FV2 closing

19. Cutaway - Toyota Newly released Fuel Cell Concept car.

20. Cutaway - Daihatsu concept vehicle

21. Cutaway - Daihatsu concept vehicle called Deca Deca

22. Cutaway - Models demonstrate how to remove panels from the KOPEN Daihatsu concept car.

23. Cutaway - Model removing side panel of KOPEN concept car.

24. Cutaway - Model replacing the hood of a KOPEN concept car with one of a different colour.

25. SOUNDBITE (English) Hans Greimel, Asia Editor for Automotive News

"This year things are back to normal and we have the Japanese back in full force. Lots of concepts here. The stands are bristling with concept vehicles and we need these concept vehicles to kind of show that yes we are thinking again about the future, we are thinking about expansion, we're thinking about growth, and these concept vehicles really underline that push forward by the Japanese".

26. Front shot of the BMW i8 - concept car

27. Left to right pan of the BMW i8 concept car

28. Front shot of the BMW4 series Cabriolet - World Premiere

29. Interior of the BMW4 series Cabriolet

30. Rear shot of the BMW4 series Cabriolet

31. SOUNDBITE (English) Alan Harris, President of BMW Japan

"People are not looking for the excesses of the past. They still want premium but their ideas of premium have changed and they want to have the best of both worlds. They want to be seen to be environmentally conscious and let's say 'green' in some ways but they still want to retain those luxury dynamic premium qualities that they now from the past, especially with a brand like BMW".

32. Toyota concept vehicle demonstration at the Toyota booth.

SOUTH KOREA MOTOR SHOW

SOURCE: AP TECHNOLOGY

RESTRICTIONS: TECHNOLOGY CLIENTS ONLY

LENGTH: 5:05

SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Busan, South Korea - 2 June, 2016

1. Pan right and pull of Kia's K7 Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) driving onto the stage for its world premiere

2. Pan from the bonnet of K5 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) to the body

3. Wide of K7 HEV and K5 PHEV

4. Wide of K5 PHEV on the stage

5. Close Tilt down from 'KIA' emblem on K5 PHEV to 'K5 Plug-in hybrid'

6. Rear side view of K5 PHEV

7. Close of 'ECO plug-in' sign on K5 PHEV

8. SOUNDBITE: (Korean) Seo Bowon, Director of Domestic Marketing Group of Kia Motors Corporation:

"Compared to hybrid cars, (K5 PHEV) has a financial benefit (of saving) about five million Won (USD 4,200) when driving for three years. Compare to general petrol cars, you can enjoy saving about 8.5 million Won (USD 7,157) over three years. So I think (K5 PHEV) is the model which has a dominant position in the economic side and reaches its peak in the technical side of a medium sized sedan."

9. Wide of Autonomous Vehicle Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) which is based on the first Korean electric car self-driving to the stage

10. Close of empty diver's seat of Autonomous Vehicle Soul EV

11. Wide of Autonomous Vehicle Soul EV arriving to the stage

12. Pan right of Senior Vice President of Electronics Technology Centre of Hyundai Motor Group Park Dong-il getting out of Autonomous Vehicle Soul EV and walking to the stage

13. Wide of Park presenting 'Improved ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Sysyems)' which includes Highway driving information system, Remote smart control system and Anti-collision system

14. SOUNDBITE: (Korean) Park Dong-il, Senior Vice President of Electronics Technology Centre of Hyundai-Kia Motor Group:

"What Kia pursues is putting safety first and then increasing the rate of automation by improving the ADAS. ADAS is the system that analyzes the driving conditions optimally by considering not only the driver's safety but also the passenger and other vehicles and assists driving when the driver needs. (Kia) pursues the technical development which never gives up the driving pleasure. "

15. Wide of Toyota's first mass production type of hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) Mirai being unveiled to the press, which is a Korean premier

16. Close of 'Mirai' sign on the front of Mirai FCV

17. Mid of Mirai FCV on the stage

18. Wide of Mirai FCV on the stage

19. Wide of CEO of Korea Toyota Motor Yoshida Akihisa with Mirai FCV on the stage

20. Front three quarters view of Mirai FCV

21. Close of 'FUELCELL' on Mirai FCV

22. SOUNDBITE: (Korean) Kang Dae Hwan, Director of Korea Toyota operation:

"Through applying the Fuel Cell (FC) system that is combined of the hybrid technology and the fuel cell technology, which consists of new Toyota FC stacks and high-pressure hydrogen tanks that Toyota has self-developed, the energy efficiency is very high compared to the existing internal combustion engine. Also (Mirai FCV) realises remarkably environmentally friendly (driving) that does not emit carbon dioxide or environmental pollutants, and it can run for 650 kilometres on three minutes of hydrogen refuelling."

23. Wide of Genesis's second model of large sedan G80 and G80 Sport being disclosed to the press which is a world premiere

24. Pan from G80 to G80 Sport on the stage

25. Wide of executive director of Genesis strategy Manfred Fitzgerald and Head of Genesis design Luc Donckerwolke presenting on the stage

26. Tilt up from the front of G80 to the body

27. Front three quarters of G80

28. Pan right from the front of G80 to the body

29. Close of the driver's seat of G80

30. Various details inside G80

31. Rear view of G80

32. SOUNDBITE: (English) Manfred Fitzgerald, executive director of Genesis strategy

"It's not only about products. Obviously, that is the core of our activities making fascinating products. So the G series, as you have just mentioned, we are starting with the G90, today you have now the premiere of the G80 and there will be also following as you might know the G70 and other vehicles and we have a very, very clear target and focus on entering into this luxury market and being a true competitor at there."