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

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.

SHOTLIST

London - November 27, 2008

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

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

3. Wide Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

4. Mid Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

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

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

6. Close Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

7. Pull out Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

8. Close Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

9. Wide Honda Insight

10. Set up shot Shigeru Ban, Architect

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Shigeru Ban, Architect:

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

12. Wide Toyota Plug in HV (Hybrid Vehicle)

13. Various plug in to recharge car battery

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

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

15. Pan Honda Insight

16. Pull focus Honda Insight light

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

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

18. Pan Daihatsu Tanto to Toyota IQ

19. Wide Toyota bB

20. Tilt up Toyota bB

21. Pan Toyota bB rear light

22. Wide Toyota i-REAL

23. Mid Toyota i-REAL

24. Tilt up Toyota i-REAL

25. Tilt down interior entrance area Science Museum

26. Wide exterior Science Museum

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORYLINE:

Is this the vision of the future?

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

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

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

Eva Ng Kon Tia is a representative from Nissan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHOTLIST

AP Television

Geneva, 2 March 201077

1. Wide pan of Geneva Motor Show

2. Pan across electric concept car

3. Mini stand showcasing the new four door Mini Cooper countryman

4. IHS-Global Insight Auto Analyst Rebecca Lindland walking through show

5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rebecca Lindland, Auto Analyst, IHS-Global Insight:

"The state of the industry coming into the Geneva Motor Show is recovery. You know, we are coming out of a terrible 2009. In most parts of the world, some of the largest markets, like Western Europe and the US, really struggled throughout 2009, so 2010 is about getting back on track."

6. Wide of Toyota logo at Toyota stand

7. Various of new Toyota hybrid

8. Wide of Bugatti Automobiles stand showing photographers snapping shots of a bespoke Grand Sport automobile that has already sold for 1.75 million EUROS (2.4m US Dollars) to private buyer

9. Mid of bespoke Bugatti Grand Sport made from carbon fibre being photographed

10. Bugatti insignia on exterior

11. Interior steering wheel and console on display

12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Alasdair Stewart, Director of Marketing Sales and After Sales, Bugatti Automobiles

"This is a highly individualised car. Our standard car costs 1.4 million EUROS (1.9m US Dollars) excluding tax. This one, costs 1.75 million EUROS (2.4m US Dollars) excluding tax. The difference here is many individualised features. It is completely made of carbon so you have complete visible carbon here. We have unique wheels on the car. We have a very special interior, a very special leather that has gone into the interior. We have a very special console in the middle of the car. We have got some painted air intakes at the back here as well."

13. Wide of bespoke Grand Sport engine and interior mechanism, showcased at Bugatti stand

14. Engine of car as seen in rear portion of the Grand Sport

15. Exhaust area of the bespoke Grand Sport with EB logo on the car

16. Mid of Grand Sport showing steering wheel, centre console and gear shift knob

17. Wide of the newly unveiled green 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera which will retail for 175,200 EUROS (240,000 US Dollars) excluding tax, then zoom into female model

18. The Superleggera rotates slowing revealing exterior starting with front bumper to show Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. Body of the car made from aluminium with thermoplastic hang parts and carbon fibre elements. Total weight of the car is 1340 kgs (2948 lbs).

19. Tight shot of the name Lamborghini on the car

20. Pull out to reveal the automobile

21. Alcantara upholstery and hand-stitched steering wheel

22. Zoom out to fans looking at the car to wide of the Superleggera with female models seated inside

23. Wide of the Rolls Royce Ghost which retails for 213,00 EUROS ($300, 000 approx) excluding tax

24. Mid of front of car showing RR insignia and "flying lady" nicknamed "Emily" hood ornament

25. Tight shot of the "flying lady" or "Emily" hood ornament on the Ghost

26. SOUNDBITE: (English) Tom Purves, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars:

"It is extremely sporty and agile, although we describe the sportiness as waftability (meant to mean quiet perfection) because a Rolls Royce is all about refinement."

27. Interior shot of the twin turbo charged engine

28. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rebecca Lindland, Automobile Analyst, IHS Global Insight:

"The luxury market actually stayed pretty much the same in 2008 to 2009. It didn''t lose a lot of market share like one would expect and we don''t really expect it to suffer all that much. Once you are in luxury, it is very hard to give it up."

29. Mid of new Ferrari 599 HY-KERS on display at the Ferrari stand

30. Zoom out from reflection of the underside of the Ferrari 599 HY-KERS to the car propped up on supports

31. Pan Ferrari 599 HY-KERS

32. SOUNDBITE (English) Ferdinando Cannizzo, Head of Innovation, Ferrari:

"Basically the aim of this project is to keep the characteristic of our cars, so sportiness and fun to drive and so on, but adding an efficiency system that allows us to reduce the fuel consumption."

33. Toyota''s newly unveiled Auris Hybrid

34. Zoom out from Toyota Auris Hybrid plate to the vehicle turning

35. Close up of interior mechanism of the Toyota hybrid engine being showcased

36. Mid of Toyota engine

37. Mid of car on display at the E-Mobile stand, writing on car reading "The New Prius"

AP Television

Geneva, Switzerland, 2 March 2010

38. SOUNDBITE (English) Rebecca Lindland, Automobile Analyst, IHS-Global Insight:

"In the US market, we saw hybrid penetration in 2008 at 2.4 percent of the market and in 2009 it was 2.7 percent. Three-tenths of a percent of gain. Ninety-seven percent of people are picking something else. So this idea that we are all moving towards hybrids is not supported by numbers and if you take out the Prius, that share drops by half so its about one and a half percent points of share."

AP Television

Geneva, Switzerland, 3 March 2010

40. Pan from people looking at car down to the interior elements of the Protoscar Lampo2 electric car

41. Close up on the words "Pure Electric" on the hood of the Lampo2

42. Interior engine on the Protoscar

43. Protscar Managing Director plugging power charger into car

44. Protoscar Managing Director lifting the hood on the Protoscar Lampo2 electric car

45. Wide of Giugiaro Quaranta inside the show''s Green Pavillion

46. Mid of Giugiaro Quaranta

LEADIN :

The Geneva Motor Show is currently underway amid difficult times for the motor industry and car giant Toyota in particular.

For most automakers the show is about rolling out new models despite falling consumer demand, and trying to get back to business as usual.

STORYLINE

The Geneva show boasts 32 world premiere production cars and a dozen concept cars.

Toyota faces an uphill struggle to convince consumers that it is innovating and getting a grip on the quality and safety issues that have recently tarnished its reputation.

But the industry is still going through tough times, and the emphasis at this year''s show will be on "recovery," according to Auto Analyst with IHS-Global Insight Rebecca Lindland.

"We are coming out of a terrible 2009, in most parts of the world, some of the largest markets, like Western Europe and the US, really struggled throughout 2009, so 2010 is about getting back on track," she says.

Sales in the United States dipped to 10.4 (m) million last year, well below the 16 (m) million rate that held for the earlier part of the decade, as China replaced it as the world''s largest single-country auto market with sales surging 45 percent to 13.6 (m) million.

Collectively, European sales were down 1.6 percent to 14.5 (m) million, helped from an even steeper slide by government cash-for-clunker incentives that have already ended in countries like Italy and Germany and are being phased out in France.

In Europe, sales are expected to dip by 2 (m) million vehicles this year as cash-for-clunkers programmes expire.

There are plenty of luxury cars on display to keep up the glitz and glamour on the show''s eightieth anniversary.

Leading the pack is what may be the most expensive of all the cars at the show.

It is a bespoke Bugatti Grand Sport, already sold for 1.75 million EUROS (2.4m US Dollars) excluding tax to a private buyer.

The vehicle boasts a carbon body and state of the art features.

Bugatti would not reveal the identity of the buyer, but would only say they paid an additional 350,000 EUROS (480,000 US Dollars) to have it customised.

Alasdair Stewart, Director of Marketing Sales and After Sales, Bugatti Automobiles says:

"This is a highly individualised car. Our standard car costs 1.4 million EUROS (1.9m US Dollars) excluding tax. This one, costs 1.75 million EUROS (2.4m US Dollars) excluding tax. The difference here is many individualised features. It is completely made of carbon so you have complete visible carbon here. We have unique wheels on the car. We have a very special interior, a very special leather that has gone into the interior. We have a very special console in the middle of the car. We have got some painted air intakes at the back here as well."

By comparison, the newly unveiled Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera appears almost affordable for those with expensive tastes.

It has a retail cost of 175,200 EUROS (240,000 US Dollars) excluding tax.

It is lighter than its predecessors and goes from zero to 200 kilometres (124.27 miles) in 10.2 seconds.

For those seeking classic refinement, Rolls Royce recently unveiled the Ghost, a more sporty version of their Phantom which will retail for 213,000 EUROS ($300, 000 approx) without tax.

It has a twelve cylinder, twin turbo charged engine, and an eight speed transmission. The engine produces way over five hundred horse power, that allows it to accelerate from nought to sixty (96.56 kms) in 4.8 seconds.

Tom Purves, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars says:

"It is extremely sporty and agile, although we describe the sportiness as waftability (meant to mean quiet perfection) because a Rolls Royce is all about refinement."

Rebecca Lindland, an automobile analyst with IHS Global Insight, explains why the luxury car market has not been hit by the economic crisis.

"Once you are in luxury, it is very hard to give it up." she says.

The colour of this new Ferrari 599 HY-KERS tells you something about its engine.

Green luxury cars are the star attraction at Geneva this year.

Now lovers of speed can enjoy high performance vehicles and keep their eco - credientials intact.

Ferrari unveiled its gleaming 599 HY-KERS. According to the company''s head of innovation, Ferdinando Cannizzo, even Ferrari are doing their bit for the environment.

"Basically the aim of this project is to keep the characteristic of our cars, so sportiness and fun to drive and so on, but adding an efficiency system that allows us to reduce the fuel consumption," he says.

Toyota offers up the Airus, a post-Prius hybrid that will go on sale in Europe in just a few months.

However Lindland questions the popularity of hybrids.

"In the US market, we saw hybrid penetration in 2008 at 2.4 percent of the market and in 2009 it was 2.7 percent. Three-tenths of a percent of gain. Ninety-seven percent of people are picking something else. So this idea that we are all moving towards hybrids is not supported by numbers and if you take out the Prius, that share drops by half so its about one and a half percent points of share," she says.

Protoscar, a small Swiss engineering company, is attracting visitors to its Lampo2, a fully electric concept car currently in design that can be charged for a range of 100 kilometres (62.13 miles) in just ten minutes.

The futuristic looking Italian designed Giugiaro Quaranta, was showcased in the exhibition''s ''Green Pavillion''. It''s opaque roof is made up of solar panels, which run the interior electronics and charge the batteries.

The Geneva Motor Show runs until March 14.

LEADIN :

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

Among them is a vehicle that has airless tyres.

STORYLINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AP TELEVISION

Paris, October 3rd 2014

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

2. Wide tilt up of America, by Venturi Automobiles

3. Mid of America, front side

4. Wide rear view of America, by Venturi Automobiles

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

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

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

7. Min of America's dashboard

8. Close up left pan of vehicle commands

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

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

10. Wide undershot of America, by Venturi Automobiles

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

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

13. Wide front view of Mini Superleggera

14. Close up of Mini Superleggera front grill

15. Mid rear view of Mini Superleggera

16. Wide rear view of Mini Superleggera

17. Close up of rear stop light

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

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

19. Wide left pan, side view of Mini Superleggera

20. Close up of Mini Superleggera's steering wheel

21. Close up of Mini Superleggera's GPS system

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

23. Mid tracking shot of i-Road

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

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

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

26. Wide side view of i-Road by Toyota

27. Mid of man sitting in i-Road

28. Mid of i-Road interior

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

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

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

32. Mid pull focus of Bridgestone free-air tyres

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

38. Wide of 4H Automobiles stand

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

40. Wide side view of 4H Automobiles Concept car

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

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

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

43. Wide front view of 4H Concept car

44. Wide rear view of 4H Concept car

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

46. Wide side view of Volkswagen XL Sport concept car

47. Wide undershot of Volkswagen XL Sport concept car

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

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

50. Wide left pan of Exhibit hall

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

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

Paris, France - October 2, 2014

52. Various of five door Mini

SWITZERLAND HYBRID CARS

LENGTH: 4.56

SOURCE: AP TELEVISION NEWS

RESTRICTION: AP TECH TV CLIENTS ONLY

SHOTLIST:

1. Various exterior motor show

2. Interior motor show

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

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

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

5. Sign reading Hybrid Synergy Drive

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

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

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

8. Prototype electric car,

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

10. Various of prototype Bollor� blu car

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

12. Close up hostess smiling from inside Pivo

13. Hostess inside electric concept car from Toyota Aygo

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

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

15. Toyota stand

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

17. Various close up of model of sedan

18. Various of hybrid SUV from General Motors

19. Various of Citroen C4 diesel electric hybrid

20. Various of other hybrid cars

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

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

23. Gas pump

24. Renault Kangoo equipped for natural gas

25. Close up gas tank

26. Pump

27. Various of pump in action

28. Demonstration of distilled cellulosic compost to make ethanol

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

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

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

31. Tracking shot over floor map of Geneva streets

32. Exterior motorshow, tracking shot interior car at lights

33. Hybrid car owner Nadine Wuillemin driving

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

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

35. Interior motorshow, various of men washing car

36. Honda's prototype home energy station

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

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

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

39. Honda FCX on stand

40. Various computer animation: Honda FCX driving

SUGGESTED LEAD IN

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

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

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

SUGGESTED VOICE OVER

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

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

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

SOUNDBITE (English)

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

SUPERCAPTION: Jozef Vandecruys, marketing manager Toyota

And such cars are popular for many reasons.

SOUNDBITE (English)

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

SUPERCAPTION: Jozef Vandecruys, marketing manager Toyota

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

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

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

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

SOUNDBITE (English)

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

SUPERCAPTION: Susanne Wegmann, president, e-mobile association

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

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

The result is less petrol consumption and therefore less pollution.

SOUNDBITE (English)

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

SUPERCAPTION: Susanne Wegmann, President, E-mobile Association

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

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

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

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

SOUNDBITE (English)

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

SUPERCAPTION: Mario Klaus, Saab marketing manager)

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

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

SOUNDBITE (French)

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

SUPERCAPTION: Nadine Wuillemin, owner of hybrid car

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

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

SOUNDBITE (English)

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

SUPERCAPTION: Takeo Fukui, CEO of Honda

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

====

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SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Brussels, Belgium, 13 January 2010

1. Various wides of Brussels Motor Show hall

2. Pan of Lancia cars

3. Medium of Jaguar car

4. Zoom out from Ferrari logo to Ferrari cars

5. Wide shot Citroen prototype car

6. Zoom out of hostesses waving in Fiat car

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

8. Mid of people at Motor Show

10. Medium of Hyundai stand

11. Close of people speaking

12. Medium of Kia Eco Dynamic car

13. Close of Toyota rooftop solar panels

14. Close of Toyota Prius energy monitor

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

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

16. Pan of salon to Volkswagen stand

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

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

18. Zoom out of Volkswagen eco fuel car

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

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

20. Pan of Peugeot electric car

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

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

22. Electric car driving in test area

23. Electric car on charge

24. Mid shot electric car charging monitor

25. Zoom out of electric utility vehicle

26. Mid of electric utility vehicle with hood open

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

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

28. Close of Volvo electric car on charge

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

30. Wide of Volvo electric car driving in test area

LEAD IN

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

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

STORYLINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Once inside, not a single noise.

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

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

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4058125

LEAD IN:

The future of driving may be here sooner than you think - that's the message at the Paris Motor Show where out-of-this world concept cars reveal the plans of vehicle makers in the coming years.

Among the avant-garde designs is a car seat inspired by a spider's web, and a new breed of electric vehicles.

STORY-LINE:

This is French car maker Renault's new Trezor concept car.

It's an all-electric Grand Tourer concept, delivering zero to 62 miles per hour in under four seconds.

Giving clues to Renault's future electric strategy, Trezor's high-output all-electric power train boasts 260 kW or 350 horse power.

And there's no need to worry about doors - the one-piece clam shell roof opens like a lid.

Renault says this two-seater electric coupe embodies its new design philosophy, which may not be too distant from reality.

"The car will be electric, fully electric, that's clearly the destination because that's the only way to come to zero emissions in use and that's something the industry needs to do to comply and to solve the issues of pollution and CO2 questions," says Eric Feunteun from Renault.

"Second, it's going to be very connected. We've seen today we are paving the way, but we have more to come. And of course, autonomous. And all those three concepts, electric, autonomous and connected will clearly be linked together."

Daimler's new Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ concept car may look like a far-flung vision of the future, but its makers say it will soon become a reality.

With the design of a sporty SUV coupe, this EQ concept boasts two electric motors with a range of around 500 kilometres.

The 300 kW output allows acceleration to 100 kilometres an hour in under five seconds. Charging is optimised to give enough battery life for 100 kilometres in just five minutes.

Daimler's Dieter Zetsche says it's this kind of technology which will eventually convince drivers to make the jump from combustion engines to all-electric battery power.

"We will be able - based on the progress in technology - to offer that car with a range of more than 500 kilometres practical use with recharging time of less than half an hour and all of that at an affordable price it will be in the range of a good-equipped GLC of our current product line-up," he says.

"And we are convinced with all the additional features this product includes that we really have now the chance, just on a competitive basis, to convince customers to buy these cars versus the cars with combustion engine drive lines."

French brand Citroen is showing off this new CXperience concept car which reveals its ambitions in the upmarket sector.

The saloon with rear-hinged doors gives extra room in this citrus green interior. It's fitted with a plug-in hybrid engine in a bid to combine both performance and efficiency.

That means in the city it can be switched into all-electric mode with a range of around 60 kilometres. But when on the open road the internal combustion engines takes over to deliver 300 brake horse power performance.

"With this concept we want to show that Citroen is able to shave the codes, to overturn the established codes for instance in terms of design, you see that it's a really unique shape," says Richard Meyer from Citroen.

"What we want is that everybody in the street can say; 'Oh, I can see this vehicle, for sure it's a Citroen."

While most automakers here at the Paris Motor Show are looking under the bonnet and incorporating new battery-powered technology, Lexus - Toyota's luxury division - is looking in the cockpit.

The brand's new UX concept features web-like seating in the front.

It's inspired by this Kinetic Seat concept which works to move kinetically with the occupants weight and external forces, this - Lexus claims - helps stabilise head movement caused by the vehicle's motion.

The spider web-inspired design - like an actual spider web - helps disperse the load and closely fit the body shape, meaning a more comfortable experience for long drives.

"The spider web-like pattern like any other spider web in nature the radial strings are responsible to hold the body weight," explains Carlos Gonzalez from Toyota's vehicle engineering development division.

"The perpendicular loading versus the radial strings the closer loops we have in the net, they are responsible for distributing the pressure but also for transmitting the rotational torque that happens in the upper body by having this swing mechanism that we have in the sub frame."

The majority of concept cars at the Paris Motor Show are closer to reality than this Toyota FCV Plus fuel cell vehicle.

That's because car makers are looking into the not too distant future where emission regulations force their hand into producing more battery-powered and greener designs, says Jim Holder from UK-based motoring magazine 'Autocar'.

"Not all the concept cars are electric,but a lot of them are," he says. "The electric movement really is gathering pace, legislation demands that it does and the car makers are starting to see that customers finally are willing to busy electrified cars, whether that's through a hybrid car that combines traditional power train and electrification or full electric, there is a market there now and it's growing and all the manufacturers have to get in on that and sell these cars in order to meet their emissions targets."

The Paris Motor Show opens to the public 1-16 October.

Paris, France - 29 September 2016

1. Wide of Renault Trezor concept car unveil at the Paris Motor Show

2. Various of Renault Trezor concept car

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Eric Feunteun, Head of electric program, Renault:

"The car will be electric, fully electric, that's clearly the destination because that's the only way to come to zero emissions in use and that's something the industry needs to do to comply and to solve the issues of pollution and CO2 questions. Second, it's going to be very connected. We've seen today we are paving the way, but we have more to come. And of course, autonomous. And all those three concepts, electric, autonomous and connected will clearly be linked together."

4. Various of Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ concept car

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG:

"We will be able - based on the progress in technology - to offer that car with a range of more than 500 kilometres in practical use with recharging time of less than half an hour and all of that at an affordable price which will be in the range of a good-equipped GLC ( car model) of our current product line-up. And we are convinced with all the additional features this product includes that we really have now the chance, just on a competitive basis, to convince customers to buy these cars versus the cars with combustion engine drive lines."

6. Various of Citroen CXperience concept car

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Richard Meyer, Head of Production Planning and Future Products, Citroen:

"With this concept we want to show that Citroen is able to shave the codes, to overturn the established codes, for instance in terms of design, you see that it's a really unique shape. What we want is that everybody in the street can say; 'Oh, I can see this vehicle, for sure it's a Citroen."

8. Various of Lexus UX concept car

9. Various of webbing-style seats inside Lexus UX concept car

10. Various of Lexus Kinetic Seat concept with spider web-style design

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Carlos Gonzalez, Vehicle Engineering Development Division, Toyota:

"The spider web-like pattern like any other spider web in nature, the radial strings are responsible to hold the body weight, the perpendicular loading versus the radial strings. The closer loops that we have in the net, they are responsible for distributing the pressure but also for transmitting the rotational torque that happens in the upper body by having this swing mechanism that we have in the sub frame."

12. Various of Toyota FCV Plus concept car

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Jim Holder, Editorial Director, 'Autocar' Magazine:

"Not all of the concept cars are electric,but a lot of them are. The electric movement really is gathering pace, legislation demands that it does and the car makers are starting to see that customers finally are willing to busy electrified cars, whether that's through a hybrid car that combines traditional power train and electrification or full electric, there is a market there now and it's growing and all the manufacturers have to get in on that and sell these cars in order to meet their emissions targets."

14. Various of Mitsubishi GT-PHEV concept car

15. Wide of Paris Motor Show floor

LEAD IN:

The future of driving may be here sooner than you think - that's the message at the Paris Motor Show where out-of-this world concept cars reveal the plans of vehicle makers in the coming years.

Among the avant-garde designs is a car seat inspired by a spider's web, and a new breed of electric vehicles.

STORY-LINE:

This is French car maker Renault's new Trezor concept car.

It's an all-electric Grand Tourer concept, delivering zero to 62 miles per hour in under four seconds.

Giving clues to Renault's future electric strategy, Trezor's high-output all-electric power train boasts 260 kW or 350 horse power.

And there's no need to worry about doors - the one-piece clam shell roof opens like a lid.

Renault says this two-seater electric coupe embodies its new design philosophy, which may not be too distant from reality.

"The car will be electric, fully electric, that's clearly the destination because that's the only way to come to zero emissions in use and that's something the industry needs to do to comply and to solve the issues of pollution and CO2 questions," says Eric Feunteun from Renault.

"Second, it's going to be very connected. We've seen today we are paving the way, but we have more to come. And of course, autonomous. And all those three concepts, electric, autonomous and connected will clearly be linked together."

Daimler's new Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ concept car may look like a far-flung vision of the future, but its makers say it will soon become a reality.

With the design of a sporty SUV coupe, this EQ concept boasts two electric motors with a range of around 500 kilometres.

The 300 kW output allows acceleration to 100 kilometres an hour in under five seconds. Charging is optimised to give enough battery life for 100 kilometres in just five minutes.

Daimler's Dieter Zetsche says it's this kind of technology which will eventually convince drivers to make the jump from combustion engines to all-electric battery power.

"We will be able - based on the progress in technology - to offer that car with a range of more than 500 kilometres practical use with recharging time of less than half an hour and all of that at an affordable price it will be in the range of a good-equipped GLC of our current product line-up," he says.

"And we are convinced with all the additional features this product includes that we really have now the chance, just on a competitive basis, to convince customers to buy these cars versus the cars with combustion engine drive lines."

French brand Citroen is showing off this new CXperience concept car which reveals its ambitions in the upmarket sector.

The saloon with rear-hinged doors gives extra room in this citrus green interior. It's fitted with a plug-in hybrid engine in a bid to combine both performance and efficiency.

That means in the city it can be switched into all-electric mode with a range of around 60 kilometres. But when on the open road the internal combustion engines takes over to deliver 300 brake horse power performance.

"With this concept we want to show that Citroen is able to shave the codes, to overturn the established codes for instance in terms of design, you see that it's a really unique shape," says Richard Meyer from Citroen.

"What we want is that everybody in the street can say; 'Oh, I can see this vehicle, for sure it's a Citroen."

While most automakers here at the Paris Motor Show are looking under the bonnet and incorporating new battery-powered technology, Lexus - Toyota's luxury division - is looking in the cockpit.

The brand's new UX concept features web-like seating in the front.

It's inspired by this Kinetic Seat concept which works to move kinetically with the occupants weight and external forces, this - Lexus claims - helps stabilise head movement caused by the vehicle's motion.

The spider web-inspired design - like an actual spider web - helps disperse the load and closely fit the body shape, meaning a more comfortable experience for long drives.

"The spider web-like pattern like any other spider web in nature the radial strings are responsible to hold the body weight," explains Carlos Gonzalez from Toyota's vehicle engineering development division.

"The perpendicular loading versus the radial strings the closer loops we have in the net, they are responsible for distributing the pressure but also for transmitting the rotational torque that happens in the upper body by having this swing mechanism that we have in the sub frame."

The majority of concept cars at the Paris Motor Show are closer to reality than this Toyota FCV Plus fuel cell vehicle.

That's because car makers are looking into the not too distant future where emission regulations force their hand into producing more battery-powered and greener designs, says Jim Holder from UK-based motoring magazine 'Autocar'.

"Not all the concept cars are electric,but a lot of them are," he says. "The electric movement really is gathering pace, legislation demands that it does and the car makers are starting to see that customers finally are willing to busy electrified cars, whether that's through a hybrid car that combines traditional power train and electrification or full electric, there is a market there now and it's growing and all the manufacturers have to get in on that and sell these cars in order to meet their emissions targets."

The Paris Motor Show opens to the public 1-16 October.

Paris, France - 29 September 2016

1. Wide of Renault Trezor concept car unveil at the Paris Motor Show

2. Various of Renault Trezor concept car

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Eric Feunteun, Head of electric program, Renault:

"The car will be electric, fully electric, that's clearly the destination because that's the only way to come to zero emissions in use and that's something the industry needs to do to comply and to solve the issues of pollution and CO2 questions. Second, it's going to be very connected. We've seen today we are paving the way, but we have more to come. And of course, autonomous. And all those three concepts, electric, autonomous and connected will clearly be linked together."

4. Various of Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ concept car

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG:

"We will be able - based on the progress in technology - to offer that car with a range of more than 500 kilometres in practical use with recharging time of less than half an hour and all of that at an affordable price which will be in the range of a good-equipped GLC ( car model) of our current product line-up. And we are convinced with all the additional features this product includes that we really have now the chance, just on a competitive basis, to convince customers to buy these cars versus the cars with combustion engine drive lines."

6. Various of Citroen CXperience concept car

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Richard Meyer, Head of Production Planning and Future Products, Citroen:

"With this concept we want to show that Citroen is able to shave the codes, to overturn the established codes, for instance in terms of design, you see that it's a really unique shape. What we want is that everybody in the street can say; 'Oh, I can see this vehicle, for sure it's a Citroen."

8. Various of Lexus UX concept car

9. Various of webbing-style seats inside Lexus UX concept car

10. Various of Lexus Kinetic Seat concept with spider web-style design

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Carlos Gonzalez, Vehicle Engineering Development Division, Toyota:

"The spider web-like pattern like any other spider web in nature, the radial strings are responsible to hold the body weight, the perpendicular loading versus the radial strings. The closer loops that we have in the net, they are responsible for distributing the pressure but also for transmitting the rotational torque that happens in the upper body by having this swing mechanism that we have in the sub frame."

12. Various of Toyota FCV Plus concept car

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Jim Holder, Editorial Director, 'Autocar' Magazine:

"Not all of the concept cars are electric,but a lot of them are. The electric movement really is gathering pace, legislation demands that it does and the car makers are starting to see that customers finally are willing to busy electrified cars, whether that's through a hybrid car that combines traditional power train and electrification or full electric, there is a market there now and it's growing and all the manufacturers have to get in on that and sell these cars in order to meet their emissions targets."

14. Various of Mitsubishi GT-PHEV concept car

15. Wide of Paris Motor Show floor

Music not cleared, replace with your own clearable music.

It may look like the Batmobile, but this odd-looking vehicle could be the future.

Here at the Geneva Motor Show, French custom car and motorcycle makers Lazareth are showing off their latest creation - The Wazuma GT.

A cross between a motorbike and a car, this Jaguar 4.0 litre supercharged V8 engine achieves 375 horsepower and 387 pound-feet of torque.

According to Lazareth, the vehicle meets all the safety requirements for riders not to have to wear a helmet, but with that kind of power some may want to.

"Of course people are very surprised because it's an unusual category, which is three wheels," says car and motorbike designer Ludovic Lazareth.

"So it's neither a car nor a motorbike, it's a three-wheeler. It's recognised in Europe as a three-wheel vehicle."

Lazareth are yet to announce a price for this model.

If the Wazuma GT is the Batmobile, then this is certainly fit for a villain.

This vehicle - named 'Fleche Rouge' (meaning 'Red Arrow') - was launched by students from the Espera Montbeiard School in France last summer.

Even though still a car, most of the design has been taken from aeroplanes.

The 700 kilograms of this red racer runs on a 4 cylinder 1.6 litre engine 156 THP engine, the same of the Citr�en DS3.

Teacher Lo�c Boone explains how the car was given this distinct appearance.

"So for every project we have a theme, the theme here was aviation," he says.

"That's why we find the central fin, the wing in the middle and aluminium parts."

Sbarro say the Fleche Rouge is not for sale but would retail for around 50,000 euros ($83,585 USD).

Toyota's new FV2 is a vehicle which looks almost out of this world.

Toyota says it's a concept car which expresses the Japanese manufacturer's "Fun to Drive" philosophy - even in a futuristic world we can't yet imagine.

In that futuristic world, Toyota imagine we'll all drive alone because there's only one seat in this car.

To operate the vehicle, drivers must lean forward to send the vehicle forward and lean back if you want to reverse.

Steering is controlled by the operator moving the vehicle from side to side.

It's not exactly new technology, but with the lack of a steering wheel it's certainly something new to the automotive world.

Toyota hope with the reliance on body movement drivers will bond with their car.

It's colour can be changed freely and intelligent transport technology is integrated into the front display meaning drivers can be pre-warned about upcoming hazards.

Show attendee, Florian Perrachon, likes what he's seeing.

"It is fantastic," he says.

"The model looks bizarre. I think this is a certainly surprising model for the public to see."

From one seat to three seats and Nissan's concept car, named 'Black Glider'.

The car's shape takes after the ZEOD RC Le Mans racer and is certainly one of the less conventional prototypes here at the show.

Blade Glider uses electronic technology that results in zero emissions from its twin on-board motors.

The heaviest components are located over the rear wheels, including the lithium-ion batteries.

The wing-swept layout shape of the body gives advantages when braking.

Inside the cabin, the driver sits ahead of the two passenger seats allowing a wider viewing angle.

Nissan say the seating distribution also evens-out tyre wear.

Show attendee, Neal Sehubiger, can see himself driving one of these in the future.

"It is a little small, but I guess in the future I will be driving cars like this one," he says.

Celebrating its premiere at Geneva is the FULU Meteor E.T. from China.

According to FULU, it's the first small electric car on the market available at a reasonable price.

The Meteor E.T is only 2.25 metres long and occupies 3.2 square metres in surface - that's a quarter less than most electric cars on the market.

The electric engine produces zero emissions and allows the vehicle to reach 80 kilometres an hour carrying two passengers.

The FULU Meteor E.T retails from around $11,000 USD.

Sales Representative for the Meteor E.T., Jean-Claude Guggisberg, says it's the perfect choice for the city-slicker.

"I think this is a combination of economy and attractiveness," he says.

"To have a vehicle that for the first time allows us to solve everyday city problems as well as pollution. And at the same time owning a modern-looking car."

Here in Geneva, Volkswagen claim this car - named the XL1 - is the most fuel-efficient car on the planet.

It's the third model in the German auto-maker's quest to produce a 1-litre fuel economy car.

Pioneering construction techniques, an advanced plug-in hybrid and innovative - yet outlandish - packaging are said to all play a part in allowing this vehicle to return 313 miles per gallon.

That's while emitting just 24g/km of C02, which - according to Volkswagen - is a new benchmark.

The XLI's TDI diesel engine is linked to an electric motor and can be used in tandem or just electronically - covering a distance of 50km in all-electric mode.

Accelerating from 0 to 62mph takes 11.9 seconds, but this vehicle's top speed is electronically limited to just 99 mph.

Show attendee, Michael Burkhardt, is impressed.

"I think it's a very innovative concept," he says.

"The design is something that's very futuristic and I believe this is a real innovation and alternative to an electric battery car."

If visitors are looking for something completely luxurious, then German car modification firm Mansory have taken their hands to a Rolls Royce Wraith.

They've added a chrome and petrol blue two-tone paint job and extra carbon fibre parts.

That's in addition to the Wraith's 6.6 litre V12 engine and 8-speed gearbox.

Mansory have also added a completely bespoke exhaust system meaning the vehicle can race from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds.

It may not be the most futuristic car on display at Geneva, but it's still turning heads none the less.

The Geneva International Motor Show is open to the public till 16 March 2014.

Music not cleared, replace with your own clearable music.

AP Television

Geneva, Switzerland - 6 March 2014

1. Various of Lazareth Wazuma GT concept car

2. Wide of Ludovic Lazareth, Car and Motorbike Designer, getting into vehicle

3. Mid of Lazareth sitting in vehicle

4. SOUNDBITE (French) Ludovic Lazareth, Car and Motorbike Designer:

"Of course people are very surprised because it's an unusual category. Which is three wheels. So it's neither a car nor a motorbike, it's a three-wheeler. It's recognised in Europe as a three-wheel vehicle."

5. Various of Sbarro Fleche Rouge car

6. Set up shot of Lo�c Boone, Car Design Teacher at Sbarro School, looking at vehicle

7. SOUNDBITE (French) Lo�c Boone, Car Design Teacher at Sbarro School:

"So for every project we have a theme, the theme here was aviation. That's why we find the central fin, the wing in the middle and aluminium parts."

8. Various of Sbarro Fleche Rouge car

9. Various woman demonstrating Toyota FV2 prototype

10. Set up shot of Florian Perrachon, Show attendee, looking at vehicle

11. SOUNDBITE (French) Florian Perrachon, Show attendee:

"It is fantastic. The model looks bizarre. I think this is a certainly surprising model for the public to see."

12. Various of Nissan Blade Glider prototype

13. Set up shot of Neal Sehubiger, show attendee, looking at vehicle

14. SOUNDBITE (Swiss German) Neal Sehubiger, young show attendee:

"It is a little small, but I guess in the future I will be driving cars like this one."

15. Various shots of FULU Meteor E.T. electric car

16. Set up shot of Jean-Claude Guggisberg, Sales Representative for Meteor E.T., standing next to vehicle

17. SOUNDBITE (French) Jean-Claude Guggisberg, Sales Representative for Meteor E.T.:

"I think this is a combination of economy and attractiveness. To have a vehicle that for the first time allows us to solve everyday city problems as well as pollution. And at the same time owning a modern-looking car."

18. Various shots of Volkswagen XL1 concept car

19. Set up shot of Michael Burkhardt, Show attendee, looking at vehicle

20. SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Burkhardt, Show attendee:

"I think it's a very innovative concept. The design is something that's very futuristic and I believe this is a real innovation and alternative to an electric battery car."

21. Wide of Volkswagen XL1 concept car

22. Various of Rolls Royce Wraith tuned by Mansory car designers

23. Various wide shots of exhibition hall

SHOTLIST: NB: no slate at start of story

April 21, 2006, Los Angeles, California. AP Television.

1. Wide of gas station signs and street traffic.

2. Close of gas prices on sign.

3. Close of man next to car/tilt down to fuel nozzle in car.

4. Close of gas pump price display.

May 3, 2006, San Dimas, California. AP Television.

5. Mid shot of Tom Gage getting into T-Zero electric concept car.

6. Close of Tom Gage in car.

7. Close of Gage fastening seat belt.

8. Close of T-Zero logo on car.

9. Close rear view of T-Zero.

10. Close of hand turning ignition.

11. Mid of T-Zero driving away.

12. Wide to close of T-Zero on highway.

13. Onboard view of T-Zero on highway.

14. Close of Tom Gage driving car.

15. Close of T-Zero steering wheel.

16. Wide of mechanic working on battery housing for Scion electric car.

17. Close of drill and battery housing.

18. Close of mechanic.

19. Mid of Scion car being converted to electric power,.

20. Close of Scion logo on car.

21. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Gage, President/CEO. AC Propulsion.

"Well we looked at all of the compact cars that are on the market now. We wanted something that was pretty light and pretty cheap, but well equipped and had some visual appeal to it. And the Scion fit all of those bills. And the interior space is magnificent, it's like a limo in terms of interior space which means there's a lot of room for people and a lot of room for the batteries too."

22. Close of Scion interior showing location of electric motor battery housing.

23. Wide of technician working on electric motor battery pack.

24. Close of batteries.

25. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Gage, President/CEO, AC Propulsion.

"Well a lot of people will argue with me. But I think what we're really looking for and what we need is high gas prices because it shows the people what the true value of transportation and driving around is. The fact that they're still willing to pay three and three dollars and fifty cents a gallon -- they might complain about it, but they pay it because it's worth it. And it goes to point out that what we need is a mix of fuels because we need gasoline for driving long trips, long distances across the country or for hauling freight. But you don't need it to move yourself and your family and your groceries around town. You can do that on electricity or on a number of other fuels."

26. Wide to close shot of T-Zero concept car on highway.

27. Mid shot of Gage and engineer/tilt down to mid shot of AC Propulsion electric motor to be used in Scion cars.

28. Wide to mid of T-zero car turning onto street.

29. Close interior view of T-zero on highway.

30. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Gage, President/CEO, AC Propulsion.

"We have a clipping on one of our bulletin boards "Gas to hit $3.00 a Gallon", and it's taken from a paper dated 2001. So these things come and go, and it takes a long term shift and consumers have to be convinced that the price of gas is going to stay where it is."

31. Wide to close of T-Zero electric car on highway.

SUGGESTED LEADIN

The rising price of petrol may have some drivers wondering if a car powered by conventional fuel is such a good idea.

Now a company in the United States is to launch a new series of electric cars which, it's claimed, will show that alternative fuel doesn't have to be slow and boring on the highway.

STORYLINE:

It wouldn't be the first time that car owners in America have pondered the possibility of getting from A to B with something other than gasoline.

The engineers at A-C Propulsion, near Los Angeles, are trying to help consumers longing for some relief on their pocket books.

The company's specialty is making cars that run on electricity.

Their aim is to make cars that go fast, and for a long periods of time, on electricity.

The firm's President, Tom Gage, gets behind the wheel of AC Propulsion's T-Zero concept car to prove the point that an electric powered car doesn't have to be slow and boring.

Gage says the sporty T-Zero's numbers are proof that an electric vehicle can really go.

In a 2003 competition, the T-Zero went from zero to 60 in three-point-six seconds, with a top speed of a hundred miles per hour.

The T-Zero averaged 300 miles on a single charge of its battery back.

Now, Gage and his team are putting the T-Zero's powerful package of electric technology into a car ready made for consumers.

They're transforming Toyota Scions from gas to electric-power, using an electric motor and battery system developed by AC Propulsion.

Gage says with the Toyota Scion, and the electric power package, the company believes they've got the right combination, a consumer-friendly car with highway speed and enough range for around-town driving.

Technicians at AC Propulsion are stripping down the Toyota Scions to make room for a lithium ion battery pack, the same batteries used in computer laptops, and for an electric motor.

Gage says it's really an effort to update an old idea, since electric cars are nothing new.

In the late 1890s, electric cars outsold gasoline cars ten to one.

By 1912 there were more than thirty eight -thousand electric cars on the roads, according to the Electric Auto Association.

But mass production of petrol cars took the lead long ago, leaving the future of electric cars in doubt.

Now, Gage says America's dependence on petrol may finally convince consumers to take an alternative look.

But Gage admits that convincing American consumers to go electric is still an uphill battle.

Even with a ready-to-go electric engine built with proven technology, and a car like the Toyota Scion that can hit speeds like the experimental T-Zero, Gage and his team know convincing the average consumer won't be easy.

It may not be the fast and furious T-Zero. But Gage and his team believe the electric Toyota Scion is a car consumers could drive.

He says the first of their electric powered Scion's should be ready to roll out the garage by early June

They hope to have a production line of about 10 Scions a month by early next year.

Keyword-science-technology

SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Frankfurt, Germany - September 14, 2011

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

2. Mid side shot of Smart "electric drive"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Wide of Volkswagen "up!" logo

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

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

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

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

18. Close of Volkswagen concept "Nils"

19. SOUNDBITE (German) Dr. Natascha K�nstner, Volkswagen Research and Development:

"Nils" is a concept car by VW Research and it focuses on micro-mobility, that is to say, urban mobility. It is a single-passenger vehicle, because studies have shown that 70 percent of commuters drive less than 25 kilometres to work, and that 90 percent drive by themselves. That is why it is a single-passenger concept."

20. Close pan right of Volkswagen concept "Nils"

21. Wide of Volkswagen concept "Nils"

22. Close pan right of Audi "urban concept"

23. Close of grille of BMW i8 concept, pull to wide

24. Mid of BMW i8 concept, rotating on stand

25. Mid of BMW i8 concept interior

26. Wide of Rimac Automobili "concept one"

27. Mid of concept one interior

28. SOUNDBITE (Croatian) Mate Rimac, automotive designer and founder of Rimac Automobili:

"Frankfurt Motor Show is the biggest automobile exhibition in the world and we have come here to present our concept. The whole industry is here and our aim is to network and present our work looking at its best."

29. Close of battery block used in Rimac Automobili "concept one"

30. Wide of Rimac Automobili "concept one"

31. Wide of Toyota Prius stand

32. Close of Lithium-ion battery as used in Toyota Prius+, pull out to mid of battery and Prius+ in background

33. Close of Lithium-ion battery, pull out to mid of chassis and wheel

34. Close of Hybrid Synergy Drive engine, pull out to Prius+

Frankfurt, Germany - September 13, 2011

35. Mid side shot of Renault Twizy concept

36. Close pan left of recharging station plug to hooked-up recharger in front side of Renault Twizy concept

37. Wide of Renault Twizy concept

38. Mid of Renault Scenic, with pink vintage Renault in background

39. Close of side of Renault Scenic, reading: 115g/km CO2, Renault eco2

LEAD IN:

The Frankfurt Motor Show is the biggest in the world and is the place to see what tomorrow''s cars today - from zany concept cars to hi-tech hydrogen fuel technology.

There''s no need for a crystal ball, here''s what the car makers think we will be driving in the future.

STORYLINE:

Is this what the garage of the future looks like? A line up of cars plugged into power sockets.

Urban car maker Smart certainly thinks so.

The future drives into town at this year''s IAA Frankfurt Motor Show with manufacturers showing off the latest innovations in hybrid and electric-powered vehicles.

These Smart cars have ditched their traditional one-litre petrol engines for a Tesla lithium-ion battery pack.

These near-production models show what the cars will look like when they hit showrooms in the second quarter of 2012.

The battery has a range of nearly 90 miles and the car has a top speed of 75mph.

Smart is boasting a sprightly performance of 0-40 mph in around five seconds.

At Mercedes, the SLS AMG E-Cell is on display in bright acid green, packing 533 horsepower this fully electric vehicle. Mercedes claim acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just four seconds. Enough to embarrass most gas-guzzling, petrol-powered sports cars away from the lights.

The B-Class F-Cell (fuel cell) runs from another power source altogether - hydrogen.

It has been produced in a limited edition of just 200 units, for select customers. To prove the hydrogen concept works, the cars was driven around the world on all five continents

Mercedes-Benz CEO Dieter Zetsche believes sales of hydrogen vehicles will soon match those of diesel hybrids:

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

On the Volkswagen stand, a new four-seater urban model called the "up!" is attracting attention.

The German car maker is calling the class a New Small Family car.

The basic version comes with a one-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine capable of either 60 or 75bhp.

The Volkswagen "up!" starts at an affordable 9,850 Euros (USD 13,642).

Along with the release of the "up!", which is intended for mass production, several concept studies are on show, including the "up! Azzurra", conceived as a ''beach car''.

Volkswagen is also showing off its single-passenger study "Nils", focusing on urban mobility and single commuters.

Dr. Natascha K�nstner, Volkswagen Research and Development says: "Nils" is a concept car by VW Research and it focuses on micro-mobility, that is to say, urban mobility. It is a single-passenger vehicle, because studies have shown that 70 percent of commuters drive less than 25 kilometres to work, and that 90 percent drive by themselves. That is why it is a single-passenger concept."

Audi has come up with its own similar one-seater study called "urban concept".

It comes with a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis with 21-inch wheels covered by protective plates. A sliding canopy provides access to the car, much like a fighter jet.

At BMW, the "i8" plug-in hybrid concept was all the rage.

It''s a sports car capable of 0-60mph in four and a half seconds and with a top-speed of 155mph.

The four seater "i8" combines an electric motor with a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 220bhp.

The world''s biggest automotive manufacturers are here, but so are some of the smallest, but they don''t lack ambition.

Croatian up-and-coming automotive designer Mate Rimac presented his "concept one" sports car.

According to Rimac, it is the most powerful fully electric performance vehicle in the world packing a white-knuckle 1,088bhp.

He says: "Frankfurt Motor Show is the biggest automobile exhibition in the world and we have come here to present our concept. The whole industry is here and our aim is to network and present our work looking at its best."

The idea for his car came after the team converted an old BMW into a superfast electric race car. Rimac Automobili "concept one" is the result.

At Toyota, holding the majority of patents in hybrid technology, changes to the popular Prius series were presented.

Toyota managed to add an optional third row of seating in its Prius+ due to innovations in making the lithium batteries it uses lighter and smaller.

At Renault, which is on the forefront of affordable hybrid and electric models, the fully electric one-seater study "Twizy" was presented.

The Frankfurt Motor Show continues until September 25, 2011.

SHOTLIST

AP Television

Guangzhou, China, 23 November 2009

1. Wide shot unveiling of Infiniti's new concept car Essence

2. Cutaway of media

3. Wide of Infiniti's new concept car Essence rotating on stage

4. Mid shot of car boot opening, showing a set of Louis Vuitton briefcases

5. Pan of Essence car

6. Mid shot of interior of Essence

7. Close up of steering wheel of Essence

8. Wide top executives of Nissan standing in front of new cars

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Yasuaki Hashimoto, President of Nissan (China) Investment Company Limited:

"This year, China is showing the very big growth, while the other markets like US, Europe, Japan, is just right to maintain the sales volume. But China is showing the significant growth, more than 30 per cent so far, for passenger big growth sales in China. But still the China market has a big potential because China's modernisation has just started. I think China will be the biggest market in the world very soon, and this is a significant potential we see in China, so we have a reason to see China will be the most important strategy market for us."

10. Wide of Infiniti's new car, G37

11. Close up of car sign with number G37

12. Various of G37 car opening its hood with a man sitting in the car

13. Pan across Infiniti exhibition area

14. Close up of Ford logo and Chinese characters reading 'wonderful live'

15. Wide of performers dancing beside a covered car

16. Mid of performers taking off a cloth covering Ford Mondeo

17. Pan of Ford Mondeo

18. Close of front of Ford Mondeo

19. Cutaway of reporters

20. Wide of Nigel Harris speaking on stage

21. Mid of Nigel Harris speaking on the stage

22. SOUNDBITE (English) Nigel Harris, General Manager of Changan Ford Sales Company:

"It seems to be showing signs it is going to continue to grow, and when you start talking about numbers like 15 million units for next year, that make sense. There is an underlying healthiness about the auto market and about how the Chinese consumers behave, they are great savers. So, they don't let you borrow a lot of money, so the net result is they have actually got the liquidity to go out and buy a car. That means when we talk about growth like ten per cent for next year, we're actually pretty confident that can happen."

23. Mid of visitors walking through car show

24. Mid of a Mercedes-Benz car

25. Mid of visitor opening the door of the Mercedes-Benz car

26. Close up of Mercedes-Benz car rotating

27. Wide of the Mercedes-Benz car rotating with print reading 'Blue EFFICIENCY'

28. Wide of Toyota's plug-in hybrid car model HI-CT

29. Close up of plug of the HI-CT

30. Wide front of HI-CT

31. Mid shot visitor taking photo

32. Wide of a white Toyota FT-EV electric car

33. Close up of plug of the Toyota FT-EV electric car

34. Wide of the exhibition area of Geely, Chinese domestic car manufacturer

35. Wide of a BYD AUTO car

36. Mid of the front of the BYD AUTO car

37. Mid of visitors looking at engine

38. Wide shot people walking past cars

AP Television

Hong Kong, 24 November 2009

39. SOUNDBITE (English) Simon Lam, Research director at Christfund Securities Limited:

"So they are making very good profits to their parent company, if you compare them making the same sales, making the same number of the vehicle with their country. So, I believe that all the manufactures, they intend to increase their capacity, which is compare their slowing down their own production line in their own country."

AP Television

Guangzhou, China, 23 November 2009

40. Mid of a car rotating with two models standing beside the car

41. Pan from photographers to model posing with car

42. Wide of colourful mini cooper

43. Wide of a BMW car

44. Pan across exhibition

LEAD IN:

China's third-largest auto show kicked off Tuesday (24 November) in the country's southern city of Guangzhou, as more than 600 international car makers gather to showcase their latest models together with their Chinese joint ventures.

Themed as "Technology, Trend and New Life", the annual auto show presents about 70 new models for the first time in China.

STORYLINE:

This is Essence, an electric and petrol hybrid coupe with 600PS engine.

It is Infinity's latest concept car, equipped with a new direct-injection fuel system which, according to Nissan, ensures the engine works more efficiently than before.

In its trunk, briefcases from Louise Vuitton demonstrate the collaboration between the car manufacturer and the luxury brand.

Essence is one of the highlights of this year's auto show in Guangzhou, demonstrating that the Chinese car market is growing strong.

Yasuaki Hashimoto, President of Nissan, says that this year China is showing a very big growth, while the other markets like the US, Europe and Japan are struggling to maintain sales.

"China is showing the significant growth, more than 30 per cent so far, for passenger big growth sales in China. But still the China market has a big potential because China's modernisation has just started. I think China will be the biggest market in the world very soon and this is a significant potential we see in China, so we have a reason to see China will be the most important strategy market for us."

Alongside Essence, another Infinity car got its premiere: the all-new G37 convertible.

Over at Ford - the Changan Ford is being unveiled. It's a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Changan Motors in Chongqing China, celebrates it's upgraded 2010 Ford Mondeo.

The company is confident that the new model's classy appearance and spacious interior can win the hearts of high-end customers.

Ford's EcoBoost engine cutaway is also being showcased for the first time to demonstrate Ford's green technology, which will be introduced in China next year.

The engine's new technology delivers up to 20% better fuel economy and 15% fewer CO2 emissions.

Nigel Harris, General Manager of Changan Ford Sales Company, says the future looks promising for them.

"When you start talking about numbers like 15 million units for next year, that make sense. There is an underlying healthiness about the auto market and about how the Chinese consumers behave, they are great savers. So, they don't let you borrow a lot of money, so the net result is they have actually got the liquidity to go out to buy a car. That means when we talk about growth like ten per cent for next year, we're actually pretty confident that can happen."

Germany luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz showcases three new cars that incorporate its latest Blue Efficiency green technology.

The E-200 and E-260 sedans could save at least 0.15 litre per 100 kilometres in fuel consumption, according to the car maker.

Toyota Motor Corp presents its FT-EV electric car powered by motor and lithium battery.

At the Japanese auto maker's booth the FT-HS sports car is on show. It uses new hybrid technologies. There's also the Hi-CT plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Chinese automobile manufacturers BYD and Geely are also showing their new electric and hybrid cars at the event.

China's auto sales are the world's highest this year.

According to the state-sanctioned China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, sales in October were up by 72 percent from last year to 1.2 million vehicles.

Total sales up until early November are 10.9 million vehicles, compared with 8.6 million in the United States, according to Autodata Corp.

The Chinese government's stimulus policies have included cutting consumption taxes on cars with an engine capacity of 1.6 litres or below to 5 per cent from 10 per cent, and giving subsidies to villagers of up to 5,000 yuan (730$ US Dollars) to buy a small car.

A car analyst in Hong Kong expects these measures will be kept in place over the next year, as the Chinese government has announced to curb carbon emissions.

Thus small displacement engines would be encouraged.

Simon Lam, Research director at Christfund Securities Limited, says the cheap labour costs in China is attracting international manufacturers to expand production there.

"So they are making very good profits to their parent company, if you compare them making the same sales, making the same number of the vehicle with their country. So, I believe that all the manufactures, they intend to increase their capacity, which is compare their slowing down their own production line in their own country."

The Guangzhou auto show ran from 24 to 30 November.

SHOTLIST:

1. Various of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics car

2. Tilt down from Opel and Vauxhall signs to Opel Ampere

3. Zoom in on Opel Ampere

4. Set up of technology analyst from ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club or German Automobile Club)

5. SOUNDBITE: (German) Manfred Gross, Technology Analyst, ADAC :

"At the moment there are a lot of limitations on electric cars. The corresponding battery technology is very expensive, they are limited in their range compared to cars with combustion engines and we can not look at them as an environmental solution for tomorrow. But we are talking about a time frame of ten years and we will see at the car show in ten years time what really happens - if they are practical and if they are in competition to the combustion engines we have today."

6. Wide of Toyota Auris Hybrid being dusted

7. Wide of Toyoto stand

8. Close up of of sign reading "Hybrid Synergy Drive"

9. Close of Toyota Hybrid engine

10. Wide of Mercedes F-cell

11. Close of sign reading "F-Cell - BlueEFFICIENCY"

12. Various of Renault electric concept cars

13. Interior of concept car

14. Wide of motor show

STORYLINE:

Car manufacturers unveiled a range of electric cars and hybrid engines at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show, which opened to media on Tuesday.

Companies from Volkswagen AG to Hyundai Motor Co. took part with a particular focus on designs that eschew traditional combustion engines in favour of more environmentally friendly electric motors or a hybrid blend of both.

Analysts expect global production of purely electric cars to expand rapidly in the coming years. IHS Global Insight forecasts an increase from nearly 9,500 this year to more than 58,000 in 2011.

New offerings included BMW's Vision EfficientDynamics, a plug-in diesel-electric hybrid, and the Opel Ampere.

Toyota had new models on show including the first plug-in version of Toyota's Prius hybrid, which can have its batteries charged at a household outlet.

Renault displayed several electric concept cars and Mercedes offered up the F-Cell, which sports a fuel cell and an electric motor.

Technology analyst at ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club, the German Automobile Club), Manfred Gross, said electric cars are still limited because the technology is expensive.

He added electric vehicles may be comparable to the standard combustion engine in ten years time.

The 63rd Frankfurt Auto Show is scheduled to open to the public on September 17.

SHOTLIST:

Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, US

November 18, 2010

1. Wide of LA Auto Show

2. Pull to wide of electric concept car

3. Pull to mid of electric concept car

4. Wide of LA Auto Show

5. Set up of Richard Homan, Road and Track Magazine car journalist

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Richard Homan, Road and Track Magazine car journalist

"The headlines are certainly electricity green cars as well as the tendency toward cars to get smaller. When I started in this business cars and trucks were getting bigger and bigger and bigger and trucks were the big thing now cars are tending to get smaller. There's even a little Fiat over at the Chrysler stand. Cars getting smaller becoming more efficient packages."

8. Wide of Lexus stand

9. Pull of Mini stand

10. Set up of Brendan Flynn, director of communications for the Los Angeles Auto Show

11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Brendan Flynn, director of communications for the Los Angeles Auto Show

"This is absolutely a record breaking show for LA. this is the biggest show that we've ever had. We have more than 50 world and North American debuts at least 25 of those debuts have never been seen before. So this is the first time anyone in the world gets to see these cars. We have a thousand cars on the show floor. We have 50 different brands so its definitely one of the top five shows in the world. "

12. Wide of Nissan Leaf

13. Pull of Nissan Leaf badge

14. Zoom of electric charging plug in car's bonnet

15. Pullout of the interior of Nissan Leaf

16. Wide of Mitsubishi Miev electric car

17. Pull of Volvo C30 electric car

18. Pull of Porsche stand

19. Pan from Fisker TV monitor to car

20. Wide of Kia Optima Hybrid

21. SOUNDBITE: (English) Brendan Flynn, director of communications for the Los Angeles Auto Show

"And then we've got some crazy concepts. We have this Jaguar that's in the booth right next to us that's a $300,000 electric Supercar that goes from zero to 60 (mph) in 3.2 seconds. You can go to Vegas and back on one tank of gas!"

22. Mid of Jaguar electric Supercar

23. Pull of Chevrolet stand

24. Mid of the Chevrolet Volt electric car

25. Set up of Richard James, manager of product communications for General Motors on the West Coast

26. SOUNDBITE: (English) Richard James, manager of product communications for General Motors on the West Coast

"What we have is an electric vehicle with extended range and what that is an electric vehicle that allows you to drive - if you have a full battery - on pure electricity or your battery reserve for up to 50 miles. What happens after that, to overcome this issue known as "range anxiety" is there's a generator that is built into the car, an internal combustion engine - a gasoline engine essentially - that kicks in automatically, seamless to the consumer, that will charge the battery and so the vehicle will continue to run on its electric architecture for up to 350 miles."

27. Mid of GM pick up truck

28. Mid of GM SUV

29. Tilt up from GMC logo to car

30. Pull from Nissan Leaf badge

31. Tilt down on "fill up at home" electric charging station

32. Set up of Mark Perry, director of product planning, Nissan

33. SOUNDBITE: (English) Mark Perry, director of product planning, Nissan

"This is the world's first affordable pure zero emission car, battery electric, no gas, no oil. Never have to go to a gas station, never have to do an oil change. Zero emission, there's not even a tail pipe. 100 miles of range in a single charge. 90mph top speed and it's as simple as plugging in right into your garage."

34. Mid of Fiat 500 car

35. Wide of Toyota stand

36. Mid of Kia Pop concept car

37. Tilt down of Kia stand

38. Pull of Kia Pop concept car

39. Pull wide of Ford stand

40. Wide of Saab electric car

41. Pull tilt down of Mercedes stand

42. Wide of Hyundai stand

LEAD IN:

There's a buzz at the Los Angeles Auto Show as the latest current of zero-emission electric cars roll into town.

The Auto Show, at the LA Convention Center, features more than 20 world debuts from the top manufacturers and the word on everybody's lips is "electric".

STORY LINE:

This year's show marks the arrival of the "electric era" with green concept models packing the stands.

Like this Honda electric vehicle concept making its world debut.

Consumers will be able to buy many of these mass-production electric vehicles from December (2010).

Richard Homan, Road and Track Magazine motoring journalist says he's seen a sea change in attitudes.

"The headlines are certainly electricity green cars as well as the tendency toward cars to get smaller," he says. "When I started in this business cars and trucks were getting bigger and bigger and bigger and trucks were the big thing now cars are tending to get smaller. There's even a little Fiat over at the Chrysler stand. Cars getting smaller becoming more efficient packages."

This year's show boasts over 1,000 cars from 50 different brands, says Brendan Flynn, director of communications for the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Some of the electric concept cars were more outlandish.

Brendan Flynn, director of communications for the Los Angeles Auto Show, says "We've got some crazy concepts. We have this Jaguar that's in the booth right next to us that's a $300,000 electric Supercar that goes from zero to 60 (mph) in 3.2 seconds. You can go to Vegas and back on one tank of gas."

The Jaguar C -X75 concept car is powered by four lithium-ion batteries putting out a total of 780 horsepower with a top speed is 205 mph.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Miev electric car - marketed as a second vehicle - is expected to cost $30,000 when it goes on sale in November 2011.

The Volvo C30 two-door, four-seater also achieves 100 miles on a full charge and has a top speed of up to 81mph. Acceleration is sprightly, it goes from 0 to 61 miles per hour in 10.5 seconds.

The first C30s will be available in the US from the end of next year.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt was named Green Car of the Year at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Volt matches sedan (saloon) styling with an electric motor capable of powering the car for 40 miles before a backup combustion engine kicks in.

Motor Trend and Automobile Magazine also named the Volt its 2011 Car of the Year. It goes on sale in December.

Richard James, manager of product communications for General Motors on the West Coast, says: "What we have is an electric vehicle with extended range and what that is an electric vehicle that allows you to drive - if you have a full battery - on pure electricity or your battery reserve for up to 50 miles. What happens after that, to overcome this issue known as "range anxiety" is there's a generator that is built into the car, an internal combustion engine - a gasoline engine essentially - that kicks in automatically, seamless to the consumer, that will charge the battery and so the vehicle will continue to run on its electric architecture for up to 350 miles."

The highly-anticipated Nissan Leaf was introduced as the first mass-market 100 per cent electric, zero emission vehicle.

The Leaf will be available from December 15, 2010 in the US and Japan and in most European markets in early 2011.

Mark Perry, director of product planning at Nissan, says: "This is the world's first affordable pure zero emission car, battery electric, no gas, no oil. Never have to go to a gas station, never have to do an oil change. Zero emission, there's not even a tail pipe. 100 miles of range in a single charge. 90mph top speed and it's as simple as plugging in right into your garage."

There were electric sports cars from Porsche and Fisker, the exclusive electric car company, with its Karma model boasting a 300 mile range and a solar roof.

Toyota and Tesla has joined forces with the Toyota RAV 4 EV (electric vehicle).

Tesla will be responsible for building the RAV 4's lithium battery pack aiming for a 100-mile range. Testing beings in 2011 with the first production models not expected to roll out of the factory until 2012.

One of the more unusual concepts at the show is KIA's sparkling silver Pop.

This electric concept can travel 100 miles on a single charge, recharges fully in six hours and has a 90mph top speed.

Unfortunately it's not for large families - the space age cabin only houses three people.

The annual Los Angeles Auto Show runs from November 19-28, 2010.

SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Los Angeles, 4 December 2009

1. Wide of L.A Auto Show cars

2. Medium of car split in two (Ford Taurus)

3. Wide of show

4. Medium of people looking at car

5. Medium of Honda P-NUT concept car

6. Medium of the Subaru concept car

7. Medium of the Audi concept car

8. Set up Brendan Flynn

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Brendan Flynn L.A Auto Show:

"Now it seems to be more of a clear path towards the electrification of the car in some aspect, but everyone is realising it's not going to be for two or three years, so in the interim there are lots of solutions for today that are both economic and affordable and fuel efficient."

10. Medium luxury car Hyundai Genesis

11. Zoom out of the plug in hybrid Toyota Prius

12. Tilt up EchoBoost display

13. Medium environmental sign

14. Zoom out Volkswagon Jetta clean diesel vehicle

15. Medium 2010 Audi A3 TDI 17

16. Close up sign on car "2010 green car of the year"

17. Medium of Audi A3 TDI 17

18. Medium of Honda compact car

19. Sign Ford Fiesta

20. Pullout of a white Ford Fiesta

21. Wide of green Mazda 2

22. Medium of a purple Ford Fiesta

23. Wide of car booth

24. Zoom out from luxury Chrysler 300

25. Wide of Mercedes Benz booth

26. SOUNDBITE (English) Brendan Flynn, L.A Auto Show:

"There has been an initial wave of early adopters, of hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles. There's a new wave of consumers that of course want good fuel economy, but they still want the same choices they've had in the past. So for example how you can still get the beloved Mustang, but it comes in a six cylinder twin-turbo that gets 30 miles per gallon, so you get a six cylinder that acts like an eight. So you can have your cake and eat it too. Nobody wants to be spending a lot of money at the gas pump, but they want the choices they've always been able to make."

27. Wide of auto show

28. Medium of visitors looking at engine on display

29. Wide of Mustang V-6

30. Wide of people looking at engine of Mustang

31. Close up of Mustang engine

32. Medium two people sitting in car

33. Medium of navigation system

34. Set up Octavio Navarro

35. SOUNDBITE (English) Octavio Navarro, Ford Motors:

"The other big trend you're going to see is in technology. People want to be able in integrate their phone, their music player, everything into the car. We have a system called SYNC which lets you control all that through blue tooth to contact to your things so you have no more extra wires hanging out everywhere but more importantly you can control everything by voice."

36. Zoom out Mini Cooper interior

37. Wide of Mini Cooper

38. SOUNDBITE (English) Octavio Navarro, Ford Motors:

"Everybody has vibrant colours, you know. Typically it would be black or grey, but you're really starting to see bright yellows and bright blues. Ford in particular, one of the things that we are introducing this year is the 2011 Fiesta, and one of my favourite colours for it is called Lime Squeeze, and the reason for that is it's a very vibrant, almost metallic yellowish green colour. It really pops really well on the street."

39. Zoom out of the Lime Squeeze Fiesta

40. Medium of yellow/gold Fiesta

41. Zoom out of the bright blue Fiesta

42. Set up of Dave Wrobell

43. SOUNDBITE (English) Dave Wrobell, Voxpop:

"I'm looking for colour. I'm looking for an interior that's exciting. I'm tired of grey, black. I want colour. I want something that is fun."

44. Set up of Jonathan Watson

45. SOUNDBITE (English) Jonathan Watson, Voxpop:

"Nowadays, I think most companies can make a car that's fast but still gets good fuel economy, that's what's really important, looks, speed, horsepower and gas mileage."

46. Medium interior Volkswagon concept car UP Lite concept car

47. Medium pan of Volkswagon UP Lite concept car

LEAD IN:

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, the trend for 2010 is for cars that are small, fuel efficient, practical, and with a price tag under $30,000 US Dollars, in recession-fighting bright colours.

But this year's show is subdued as exhibitors' cost-cutting efficiency mindset is setting the mood.

STORYLINE:

The LA auto show closes this year's car show season, but gone are the elaborate parties, major press conferences and abundant sexy models showing the wares.

Today's unofficial theme is "less is more".

Only a few luxury carmakers have made it to the show. The high-end Bentley, Ferrari, and Lamborghini brands are not in attendance.

This year, concept cars are everywhere, including headliners like the Honda P-Nut, Subaru Hybrid Tourer and the Audi A3 TDI clean diesel.

A move towards electric cars car be felt, but we're not just there yet, as Brendan Flynn, car expert and spokesman for the L.A Auto Show, explains.

"Now it seems to be more of a clear path towards the electrification of the car in some aspect, but everyone is realising it's not going to be for two or three years, so in the interim there are lots of solutions for today that are both economic and affordable and fuel efficient."

Due to these tough economic times and the price of oil in North America, automakers have been forced to listen to consumers' needs - which currently means fuel efficiency and environmentally friendly cars top the agenda.

Toyota had its North American debut of its long-awaited Prius plug-in hybrid concept car.

It was first presented in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The annual Green Car of the Year award, sponsored by Green Car Journals, awarded the Audi A3 TDI clean diesel with first prize.

The North American debuts of the compact Chrysler Cruze, Ford Fiesta and the Mazda 2, are all bulls eye for the fuel-minded client.

The price of each is under $15,000 US Dollars.

As American carmakers try to get back on track, one has a larger booth than in the past.

Ford has the biggest floor space this year, expanding its area by 30%, as American carmakers try to compete with their Asian competitors.

In 2010, the big in-demand cars will be hybrids, such as the small luxury compact car Audi A3 TDI, that gets about 42 miles to the gallon and sells for under $30,000 US Dollars, as well as clean diesels that have been popular in Europe.

A big debut this year is the compact 4-cylinder Ford Fiesta which gets up to 30 miles per gallon.

The Mazda 2, which has been on sale since 2007, and has received 48 awards, is so similar to the Fiesta that observers are curious to see which demographic each attracts.

Luxury cars are at the show, but are not a common sight.

Flynn says people are so focused on fuel economy, but they're still fussy and demanding.

"There's a new wave of consumers that of course want good fuel economy, but they still want the same choices they've had in the past. So for example how you can still get the beloved Mustang, but it comes in a six cylinder twin-turbo that gets 30 miles per gallon, so you get a six cylinder that acts like an eight. So you can have your cake and eat it too. Nobody wants to be spending a lot of money at the gas pump, but they want the choices they've always been able to make."

The show also highlights the Mustang, America's favourite muscle car for 45 years in a row, redesigned with a new interior and exterior and a V-8 with more horsepower.

Also on trend watch, state-of-the-art sound in the inexpensive cars.

Octavio Navarro, Ford Motors spokesman, says that their cars' interior design will be dominated by connectivity technology.

"The other big trend you're going to see is in technology. People want to be able in integrate their phone, their music player, everything into the car. We have a system SYNC which lets you control all that through bluetooth to contact to your things so you have no more extra wires hanging out everywhere but more importantly you can control everything by voice."

Another big trend this year: brightly coloured cars.

Navarro says colour is a way for automakers to try to bring consumers out of their recession-dulled mood.

"Everybody has vibrant colours, you know. Typically it would be black or grey, but you're really starting to see bright yellows and bright blues. Ford in particular, one of the things that we are introducing this year is the 2011 Fiesta, and one of my favourite colours for it is called Lime Squeeze, and the reason for that is it's a very vibrant, almost metallic yellowish green colour. It really pops really well on the street."

But what do the show's visitors think?

Dave Wrobbel, a teacher from Pasadena, came wanting to get away from dull colours.

"I'm looking for colour. I'm looking for an interior that's exciting. I'm tired of grey, black. I want colour. I want something that is fun."

Jonathan Watson, a student from Rancho Cucamonga, says he still wants it all.

"What's really important, looks, speed, horsepower and gas mileage."

Besides the plug-in Prius, other hybrid and electric vehicle concepts on hand include the Volkswagen L1, with a two-cylinder, turbo-diesel hybrid motor and the world premiere of the groundbreaking Up! Lite hybrid concept car.

With up to 70 mpg on the highway and room for four adults, it's a combination of a Volkswagen TDI Clean Diesel engine, an advanced electric motor, and a seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox.

The LA Auto Show runs through until the 13th December.

LEAD IN:

Electric vehicles and hybrids are increasingly finding their way on to motor show floors.

They're sitting alongside luxury vehicles at the 37th Bangkok International Motor Show which opens to the public on Wednesday.

STORY-LINE:

Dozens of vehicles from 30 automobile companies are on display at the Impact Challenger Exhibition Hall in Nonthaburi near Bangkok.

Organisers say that more than 25 new models are on show.

Aside from the luxury cars that are always prominent at motor shows, visitors have the opportunity to see innovative transport like electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles that can be charged through household power outlets, as well as concept and show cars.

BMW is showing its i8 hybrid sports car with gull wing doors.

Matthias Pfalz of BMW Thailand says new models are being brought to the Thai market to mark BMW's 100th anniversary year.

The 330e plug-in hybrid, the X1, and M2 Coup are all coming to Thailand.

"This year, the first time that we bring the hybrid, plug-in technology to the 3 series with the 330E, which comes with a four cylinder and an electric motor. And the combined system power comes up to 252 horsepower and with an outstanding fuel consumption of 41 grams per kilometre," says Pfalz.

Michael Grewe, President and CEO of Mercedes Benz Thailand are presenting the local production models of the S500e and the C350e, which he describes as the new alternatives in the plug-in hybrid segment.

"Plug-in hybrids are the key technology on the road to emission-free future of automobiles. And the various driving presets; in the city, the cars can drive all in electric mode, while the long journeys outside of the cities, they benefit from the combustion engine's driving range," he told a crowd of journalists and industry experts.

Chevrolet is launching two concept cars at the motor show: the Chevrolet Premiere sports utility vehicle (SUV), and the Colorado Extreme Truck.

The SUV vehicle category is very popular in the market, according to Michael Simcoe, Vice President for Global Design of GM International.

"Trucks and SUVs (sports utility vehicles) are very, very strong in this market. So what we wanted to do was show an ability to, through customisation or accesorisation, an ability for customers to personalise. But also personalise in two different ways. The Colorado Extreme is all about rugged, capable off-road performance, and a very visual demonstration of that. Whereas the Premier, is just as the name says, it's about a premium execution, beautiful detailing, and a very sophisticated execution. There's a luxury; very capable, but luxurious for families who may want to go off the beaten track, but they want to do with style and sophistication."

The market for compact SUVs is growing in Thailand, according to Yukontorn Wisadkosin, managing director of Ford Sales & Service Thailand.

She says compact SUVs account for about six percent of Thai auto sales, compared to just two percent two years ago.

"It's the best of both worlds. When people are looking for a small compact vehicle that they can drive within the city, but then at the same time, they also want the utilities, right? They want to make sure that they can drive it outside, to the up-country, when they want to over the weekend. And then they want to have a cargo space where they can put a lot of things in the vehicle itself. And I think that's why the mini-SUV is becoming more popular here in Thailand."

With so many cars to choose from, manufacturers like Mazda are hoping this years' offerings hit the right note for drivers.

The 37th Bangkok International Motor Show will be open to the public from 23 March - 3 April.

LEAD IN:

Electric vehicles and hybrids are increasingly finding their way on to motor show floors.

They're sitting alongside luxury vehicles at the 37th Bangkok International Motor Show which opens to the public on Wednesday.

STORY-LINE:

Dozens of vehicles from 30 automobile companies are on display at the Impact Challenger Exhibition Hall in Nonthaburi near Bangkok.

Organisers say that more than 25 new models are on show.

Aside from the luxury cars that are always prominent at motor shows, visitors have the opportunity to see innovative transport like electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles that can be charged through household power outlets, as well as concept and show cars.

BMW is showing its i8 hybrid sports car with gull wing doors.

Matthias Pfalz of BMW Thailand says new models are being brought to the Thai market to mark BMW's 100th anniversary year.

The 330e plug-in hybrid, the X1, and M2 Coup are all coming to Thailand.

"This year, the first time that we bring the hybrid, plug-in technology to the 3 series with the 330E, which comes with a four cylinder and an electric motor. And the combined system power comes up to 252 horsepower and with an outstanding fuel consumption of 41 grams per kilometre," says Pfalz.

Michael Grewe, President and CEO of Mercedes Benz Thailand are presenting the local production models of the S500e and the C350e, which he describes as the new alternatives in the plug-in hybrid segment.

"Plug-in hybrids are the key technology on the road to emission-free future of automobiles. And the various driving presets; in the city, the cars can drive all in electric mode, while the long journeys outside of the cities, they benefit from the combustion engine's driving range," he told a crowd of journalists and industry experts.

Chevrolet is launching two concept cars at the motor show: the Chevrolet Premiere sports utility vehicle (SUV), and the Colorado Extreme Truck.

The SUV vehicle category is very popular in the market, according to Michael Simcoe, Vice President for Global Design of GM International.

"Trucks and SUVs (sports utility vehicles) are very, very strong in this market. So what we wanted to do was show an ability to, through customisation or accesorisation, an ability for customers to personalise. But also personalise in two different ways. The Colorado Extreme is all about rugged, capable off-road performance, and a very visual demonstration of that. Whereas the Premier, is just as the name says, it's about a premium execution, beautiful detailing, and a very sophisticated execution. There's a luxury; very capable, but luxurious for families who may want to go off the beaten track, but they want to do with style and sophistication."

The market for compact SUVs is growing in Thailand, according to Yukontorn Wisadkosin, managing director of Ford Sales & Service Thailand.

She says compact SUVs account for about six percent of Thai auto sales, compared to just two percent two years ago.

"It's the best of both worlds. When people are looking for a small compact vehicle that they can drive within the city, but then at the same time, they also want the utilities, right? They want to make sure that they can drive it outside, to the up-country, when they want to over the weekend. And then they want to have a cargo space where they can put a lot of things in the vehicle itself. And I think that's why the mini-SUV is becoming more popular here in Thailand."

With so many cars to choose from, manufacturers like Mazda are hoping this years' offerings hit the right note for drivers.

The 37th Bangkok International Motor Show will be open to the public from 23 March - 3 April.

Nonthaburi, Thailand - 22 March 2016

1. Aston Martin DB11 on display

2. Mercedes Benz vehicle on display

3. Wide of Mercedes Benz presentation

4. Tilt down to BMW i8

5. Pan of rear lights of BMW i8

6. Tilt down from sign, reading (English) "The next 100 years" to BMW i8

7. Matthias Pfalz, BMW Group Thailand, riding in a BMW Isetta three wheel vehicle

8. Wide of crowd and media

9. Wide of cars on display at Bangkok International Motor Show

10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Matthias Pfalz, President - BMW Group Thailand:

"This year, the first time that we bring the hybrid, plug-in technology to the 3 series with the 330E, which comes with a four cylinder and an electric motor. And the combined system power comes up to 252 horsepower and with an outstanding fuel consumption of 41 grams per kilometre."

11. Wide of Mercedes Benz plug-in hybrid vehicles on display

12. Close of Mercedes Benz C350e grille

13. Wide of photographers

14. SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Grewe, President and CEO - Mercedes Benz Thailand:

++AUDIO AS INCOMING++

"Plug-in hybrids are the key technology on the road to emission-free future of automobiles. And the various driving presets; in the city, the cars can drive all in electric mode, while the long journeys outside of the cities, they benefit from the combustion engine's driving range."

15. Wide of cars on display

16. Lamborghini on display

17. Mid of models

18. Wide of models next to vehicles

19. Wide of Chevrolet display

20. Close of Chevrolet Premier

21. Tilt down of Colorado Extreme truck

22. SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Simcoe, Vice President Global Design - GM International:

"Trucks and SUVs (sports utility vehicles) are very, very strong in this market. So what we wanted to do was show an ability to, through customisation or accesorisation, an ability for customers to personalise. But also personalise in two different ways. The Colorado Extreme is all about rugged, capable off-road performance, and a very visual demonstration of that. Whereas the Premier, is just as the name says, it's about a premium execution, beautiful detailing, and a very sophisticated execution. There's a luxury; very capable, but luxurious for families who may want to go off the beaten track, but they want to do with style and sophistication."

23. Pan of Mazda CS-5 compact SUV

24. Wide of BMW X1 compact SUV

25. Interior of BMW X1

26. Various of Ford Ecosport Black

27. SOUNDBITE: (English) Yukontorn Wisadkosin, Managing Director - Ford Sales & Service Thailand:

"It's the best of both worlds. When people are looking for a small compact vehicle that they can drive within the city, but then at the same time, they also want the utilities, right? They want to make sure that they can drive it outside, to the up-country, when they want to over the weekend. And then they want to have a cargo space where they can put a lot of things in the vehicle itself. And I think that's why the mini-SUV is becoming more popular here in Thailand."

28 . Wide of Bangkok Motor Show video screen

29. Close of Bangkok International Motor Show sign

30 . Wide of vehicles on display

31. Toyota sedans on display

32. Pan of convertible BMW sports car

33. Various of Mazda vehicle presentation with musicians