LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toyota's new GR Supra runs on traditional petrol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amsterdam, Netherlands - 14 January 2020

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

2. Various of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

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

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

4. Mid of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

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

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

7. Wide of new Toyota Mirai

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

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

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

11. Close of Lexus LF-30 interior

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

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

13. Wide of Lexus LF-30 electric concept car

14. Various of Lexus UX300e electric car

15. Various of new Toyota GR Supra

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

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

17. Close of new Toyota GR Supra interior

18. Mid of new Toyota GR Supra

19. Wide of Toyota presentation, announcement of Kinto brand

20. Close of Kinto logo onscreen

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

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

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

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

24. Various of Toyota LQ concept car

25. Various of Toyota personal mobility technology

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toyota's new GR Supra runs on traditional petrol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amsterdam, Netherlands - 14 January 2020

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

2. Various of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

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

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

4. Mid of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

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

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

7. Wide of new Toyota Mirai

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

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

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

11. Close of Lexus LF-30 interior

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

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

13. Wide of Lexus LF-30 electric concept car

14. Various of Lexus UX300e electric car

15. Various of new Toyota GR Supra

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

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

17. Close of new Toyota GR Supra interior

18. Mid of new Toyota GR Supra

19. Wide of Toyota presentation, announcement of Kinto brand

20. Close of Kinto logo onscreen

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

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

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

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

24. Various of Toyota LQ concept car

25. Various of Toyota personal mobility technology

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toyota's new GR Supra runs on traditional petrol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amsterdam, Netherlands - 14 January 2020

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

2. Various of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

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

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

4. Mid of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

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

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

7. Wide of new Toyota Mirai

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

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

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

11. Close of Lexus LF-30 interior

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

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

13. Wide of Lexus LF-30 electric concept car

14. Various of Lexus UX300e electric car

15. Various of new Toyota GR Supra

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

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

17. Close of new Toyota GR Supra interior

18. Mid of new Toyota GR Supra

19. Wide of Toyota presentation, announcement of Kinto brand

20. Close of Kinto logo onscreen

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

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

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

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

24. Various of Toyota LQ concept car

25. Various of Toyota personal mobility technology

LEADIN:

Concept cars and the latest eco-friendly vehicles are being unveiled by Japanese automakers at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Analysts say Japanese car makers are now facing new challengers from outside the traditional auto market, especially from Silicon Valley and China.

STORYLINE:

Toyota Motor Corp. is debuting its Concept-i concept car in Tokyo.

The futuristic-looking vehicle is equipped with autonomous driving features and artificial intelligence technologies.

The vehicles' AI technology allows it to shift to autonomous driving by detecting the driver's mood and condition. It analyses the driver's facial expressions and behaviour.

The automaker is also introducing this Fine-Comfort Ride, a new fuel cell concept car that can run 1,000 kilometres.

That's 50 percent longer than its predecessor, the Mirai, the world's first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, which went on sale in 2014.

The company is also showing a hybrid sports car concept, named the GRHV Sports concept.

Toyota Motor Corp. executive vice president Didier Leroy, stressed the importance of keeping Toyota's ability to develop zero-emissions and smart models using various technologies, not just focusing on electric vehicles.

"In the world, the development of the infrastructure for the fuel cell or for the charging for the batteries will be developed at different speeds based on the countries, based on the government and strategy and so on and also based on private investment," he says.

"That means we must be ready for all the different kind of technologies. And at the same time, we know that urban mobility will go probably much faster to pure battery EV, long distance will go probably much faster to fuel cells.

"So, we must be ready for all the technologies at the same time. And we are developing all the technologies because we want to provide the right car, at the right time, at the right place, everywhere in the world."

Despite being a pioneer in hybrid technology, Toyota has been slow to embrace EVs.

But with the market rapidly expanding, the company is moving to boost its efforts in EV production through a capital tie-up with Mazda Motor Corp.

Nissan Motor Co. is showcasing its IMx zero-emission concept with automated driving technology and a range of over 600 kilometres.

The company says the design enables safer, more convenient and more enjoyable driving.

Nissan executive vice president for global marketing and sales Daniele Schillaci says the concept model isn't a far-flung idea, but something possible in the "very near future."

"This Nissan IMx zero-emission concept is not just an idea," he says.

"It's our view of future of mobility and not in a distant future, but in the very near future."

Nissan, a leading EV maker with its well-established Leaf model, is also unveiling its Leaf Nismo Concept car.

It's a sporty version of the Leaf electric vehicle developed and launched in September.

Analysts say Japanese auto makers have been leading the industry for years.

But they're now facing a new environment, competing with newcomers outside traditional auto market and outside the technology they've excelled in.

"The Japanese used to be technology leaders, but really what they're finding is that they, like all global makers, are being pressured by new comers, not only from Silicon Valley, but from China," says Hans Greimel, Asia editor of Automotive News.

"So, they really have to up their game. And, they're stepping into technology areas where they don't have a lot of expertise.

"We're talking things like robotics, software, artificial intelligence. That's the kind of technology that's gonna be driving the next generation, the future generation of cars and that's where they're really struggling to step up their game."

Mitsubishi Motor Corporation is introducing its e-EVOLUTION concept, a high performance all electric crossover SUV.

The sporty EV is equipped with AI to help with off-roading.

Honda Motor Co. is showcasing this Sports EV Concept, built upon an EV-specific platform with AI technology.

Honda hopes to present "a next-generation sports car" and "a stylish form of a compact car" with the concept model.

Japanese auto giants, such as Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Honda are among over 150 companies and organisations exhibiting at the annual Tokyo Motor Show.

The event opens to the pubic 28 October and runs till 5 November.

Tokyo, Japan - 25 October 2017

1. Various of Toyota's Concept-i being unveiled and Didier Leroy, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corp., coming on the stage

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Didier Leroy, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corp.:

"Akio Toyoda (Toyota President) said those who exceed others in their passion to make ever better society will be the leading player in future mobility."

3. Various of Concept-i

4. Various of GRHV Sports concept

5. Various of Fine-Comfort Ride

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Didier Leroy, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corp.:

"In the world, the development of the infrastructure for the fuel cells or for the charging for the batteries will be developed at different speeds based on the countries, based on the government and strategy and so on and also based on private investment. That means we must be ready for all the different kind of technologies. And at the same time, we know that urban mobility will go probably much faster to pure battery EV, long distance will go probably much faster to fuel cells. So, we must be ready for all the technologies at the same time. And we are developing all the technologies because we want to provide the right car, at the right time, at the right place, everywhere in the world."

7. Various of Nissan unveiling IMx zero-emission concept, pan to Nissan executive vice president for global marketing and sales Daniele Schillaci

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Daniele Schillaci, Nissan executive vice president for global marketing and sales:

"This Nissan IMx zero-emission concept is not just an idea. It's our view of future of mobility and not in a distant future, but in the very near future."

9. Various of IMx zero-emission concept

10. Various of Nissan Leaf Nismo concept

Tokyo, Japan - 23 October 2017

11. Setup shot of Hans Greimel, Asia Editor, Automotive News

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

"The Japanese used to be technology leaders, but really what they're finding is that they, like all global makers, are being pressured by new comers, not only from Silicon Valley, but from China. So, they really have to up their game. And, they're stepping into technology areas where they don't have a lot of expertise. We're talking things like robotics, software, artificial intelligence. That's the kind of technology that's gonna be driving the next generation, the future generation of cars and that's where they're really struggling to step up their game."

Tokyo, Japan - 25 October 2017

13. Various of Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION concept

14. Various of Honda Sports EV concept

LEADIN:

Concept cars and the latest eco-friendly vehicles are being unveiled by Japanese automakers at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Analysts say Japanese car makers are now facing new challengers from outside the traditional auto market, especially from Silicon Valley and China.

STORYLINE:

Toyota Motor Corp. is debuting its Concept-i concept car in Tokyo.

The futuristic-looking vehicle is equipped with autonomous driving features and artificial intelligence technologies.

The vehicles' AI technology allows it to shift to autonomous driving by detecting the driver's mood and condition. It analyses the driver's facial expressions and behaviour.

The automaker is also introducing this Fine-Comfort Ride, a new fuel cell concept car that can run 1,000 kilometres.

That's 50 percent longer than its predecessor, the Mirai, the world's first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, which went on sale in 2014.

The company is also showing a hybrid sports car concept, named the GRHV Sports concept.

Toyota Motor Corp. executive vice president Didier Leroy, stressed the importance of keeping Toyota's ability to develop zero-emissions and smart models using various technologies, not just focusing on electric vehicles.

"In the world, the development of the infrastructure for the fuel cell or for the charging for the batteries will be developed at different speeds based on the countries, based on the government and strategy and so on and also based on private investment," he says.

"That means we must be ready for all the different kind of technologies. And at the same time, we know that urban mobility will go probably much faster to pure battery EV, long distance will go probably much faster to fuel cells.

"So, we must be ready for all the technologies at the same time. And we are developing all the technologies because we want to provide the right car, at the right time, at the right place, everywhere in the world."

Despite being a pioneer in hybrid technology, Toyota has been slow to embrace EVs.

But with the market rapidly expanding, the company is moving to boost its efforts in EV production through a capital tie-up with Mazda Motor Corp.

Nissan Motor Co. is showcasing its IMx zero-emission concept with automated driving technology and a range of over 600 kilometres.

The company says the design enables safer, more convenient and more enjoyable driving.

Nissan executive vice president for global marketing and sales Daniele Schillaci says the concept model isn't a far-flung idea, but something possible in the "very near future."

"This Nissan IMx zero-emission concept is not just an idea," he says.

"It's our view of future of mobility and not in a distant future, but in the very near future."

Nissan, a leading EV maker with its well-established Leaf model, is also unveiling its Leaf Nismo Concept car.

It's a sporty version of the Leaf electric vehicle developed and launched in September.

Analysts say Japanese auto makers have been leading the industry for years.

But they're now facing a new environment, competing with newcomers outside traditional auto market and outside the technology they've excelled in.

"The Japanese used to be technology leaders, but really what they're finding is that they, like all global makers, are being pressured by new comers, not only from Silicon Valley, but from China," says Hans Greimel, Asia editor of Automotive News.

"So, they really have to up their game. And, they're stepping into technology areas where they don't have a lot of expertise.

"We're talking things like robotics, software, artificial intelligence. That's the kind of technology that's gonna be driving the next generation, the future generation of cars and that's where they're really struggling to step up their game."

Mitsubishi Motor Corporation is introducing its e-EVOLUTION concept, a high performance all electric crossover SUV.

The sporty EV is equipped with AI to help with off-roading.

Honda Motor Co. is showcasing this Sports EV Concept, built upon an EV-specific platform with AI technology.

Honda hopes to present "a next-generation sports car" and "a stylish form of a compact car" with the concept model.

Japanese auto giants, such as Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Honda are among over 150 companies and organisations exhibiting at the annual Tokyo Motor Show.

The event opens to the pubic 28 October and runs till 5 November.

Tokyo, Japan - 25 October 2017

1. Various of Toyota's Concept-i being unveiled and Didier Leroy, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corp., coming on the stage

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Didier Leroy, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corp.:

"Akio Toyoda (Toyota President) said those who exceed others in their passion to make ever better society will be the leading player in future mobility."

3. Various of Concept-i

4. Various of GRHV Sports concept

5. Various of Fine-Comfort Ride

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Didier Leroy, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corp.:

"In the world, the development of the infrastructure for the fuel cells or for the charging for the batteries will be developed at different speeds based on the countries, based on the government and strategy and so on and also based on private investment. That means we must be ready for all the different kind of technologies. And at the same time, we know that urban mobility will go probably much faster to pure battery EV, long distance will go probably much faster to fuel cells. So, we must be ready for all the technologies at the same time. And we are developing all the technologies because we want to provide the right car, at the right time, at the right place, everywhere in the world."

7. Various of Nissan unveiling IMx zero-emission concept, pan to Nissan executive vice president for global marketing and sales Daniele Schillaci

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Daniele Schillaci, Nissan executive vice president for global marketing and sales:

"This Nissan IMx zero-emission concept is not just an idea. It's our view of future of mobility and not in a distant future, but in the very near future."

9. Various of IMx zero-emission concept

10. Various of Nissan Leaf Nismo concept

Tokyo, Japan - 23 October 2017

11. Setup shot of Hans Greimel, Asia Editor, Automotive News

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

"The Japanese used to be technology leaders, but really what they're finding is that they, like all global makers, are being pressured by new comers, not only from Silicon Valley, but from China. So, they really have to up their game. And, they're stepping into technology areas where they don't have a lot of expertise. We're talking things like robotics, software, artificial intelligence. That's the kind of technology that's gonna be driving the next generation, the future generation of cars and that's where they're really struggling to step up their game."

Tokyo, Japan - 25 October 2017

13. Various of Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION concept

14. Various of Honda Sports EV concept

LEADIN:

Concept cars and the latest eco-friendly vehicles are being unveiled by Japanese automakers at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Analysts say Japanese car makers are now facing new challengers from outside the traditional auto market, especially from Silicon Valley and China.

STORYLINE:

Toyota Motor Corp. is debuting its Concept-i concept car in Tokyo.

The futuristic-looking vehicle is equipped with autonomous driving features and artificial intelligence technologies.

The vehicles' AI technology allows it to shift to autonomous driving by detecting the driver's mood and condition. It analyses the driver's facial expressions and behaviour.

The automaker is also introducing this Fine-Comfort Ride, a new fuel cell concept car that can run 1,000 kilometres.

That's 50 percent longer than its predecessor, the Mirai, the world's first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, which went on sale in 2014.

The company is also showing a hybrid sports car concept, named the GRHV Sports concept.

Toyota Motor Corp. executive vice president Didier Leroy, stressed the importance of keeping Toyota's ability to develop zero-emissions and smart models using various technologies, not just focusing on electric vehicles.

"In the world, the development of the infrastructure for the fuel cell or for the charging for the batteries will be developed at different speeds based on the countries, based on the government and strategy and so on and also based on private investment," he says.

"That means we must be ready for all the different kind of technologies. And at the same time, we know that urban mobility will go probably much faster to pure battery EV, long distance will go probably much faster to fuel cells.

"So, we must be ready for all the technologies at the same time. And we are developing all the technologies because we want to provide the right car, at the right time, at the right place, everywhere in the world."

Despite being a pioneer in hybrid technology, Toyota has been slow to embrace EVs.

But with the market rapidly expanding, the company is moving to boost its efforts in EV production through a capital tie-up with Mazda Motor Corp.

Nissan Motor Co. is showcasing its IMx zero-emission concept with automated driving technology and a range of over 600 kilometres.

The company says the design enables safer, more convenient and more enjoyable driving.

Nissan executive vice president for global marketing and sales Daniele Schillaci says the concept model isn't a far-flung idea, but something possible in the "very near future."

"This Nissan IMx zero-emission concept is not just an idea," he says.

"It's our view of future of mobility and not in a distant future, but in the very near future."

Nissan, a leading EV maker with its well-established Leaf model, is also unveiling its Leaf Nismo Concept car.

It's a sporty version of the Leaf electric vehicle developed and launched in September.

Analysts say Japanese auto makers have been leading the industry for years.

But they're now facing a new environment, competing with newcomers outside traditional auto market and outside the technology they've excelled in.

"The Japanese used to be technology leaders, but really what they're finding is that they, like all global makers, are being pressured by new comers, not only from Silicon Valley, but from China," says Hans Greimel, Asia editor of Automotive News.

"So, they really have to up their game. And, they're stepping into technology areas where they don't have a lot of expertise.

"We're talking things like robotics, software, artificial intelligence. That's the kind of technology that's gonna be driving the next generation, the future generation of cars and that's where they're really struggling to step up their game."

Mitsubishi Motor Corporation is introducing its e-EVOLUTION concept, a high performance all electric crossover SUV.

The sporty EV is equipped with AI to help with off-roading.

Honda Motor Co. is showcasing this Sports EV Concept, built upon an EV-specific platform with AI technology.

Honda hopes to present "a next-generation sports car" and "a stylish form of a compact car" with the concept model.

Japanese auto giants, such as Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Honda are among over 150 companies and organisations exhibiting at the annual Tokyo Motor Show.

The event opens to the pubic 28 October and runs till 5 November.

Tokyo, Japan - 25 October 2017

1. Various of Toyota's Concept-i being unveiled and Didier Leroy, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corp., coming on the stage

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Didier Leroy, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corp.:

"Akio Toyoda (Toyota President) said those who exceed others in their passion to make ever better society will be the leading player in future mobility."

3. Various of Concept-i

4. Various of GRHV Sports concept

5. Various of Fine-Comfort Ride

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Didier Leroy, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corp.:

"In the world, the development of the infrastructure for the fuel cells or for the charging for the batteries will be developed at different speeds based on the countries, based on the government and strategy and so on and also based on private investment. That means we must be ready for all the different kind of technologies. And at the same time, we know that urban mobility will go probably much faster to pure battery EV, long distance will go probably much faster to fuel cells. So, we must be ready for all the technologies at the same time. And we are developing all the technologies because we want to provide the right car, at the right time, at the right place, everywhere in the world."

7. Various of Nissan unveiling IMx zero-emission concept, pan to Nissan executive vice president for global marketing and sales Daniele Schillaci

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Daniele Schillaci, Nissan executive vice president for global marketing and sales:

"This Nissan IMx zero-emission concept is not just an idea. It's our view of future of mobility and not in a distant future, but in the very near future."

9. Various of IMx zero-emission concept

10. Various of Nissan Leaf Nismo concept

Tokyo, Japan - 23 October 2017

11. Setup shot of Hans Greimel, Asia Editor, Automotive News

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

"The Japanese used to be technology leaders, but really what they're finding is that they, like all global makers, are being pressured by new comers, not only from Silicon Valley, but from China. So, they really have to up their game. And, they're stepping into technology areas where they don't have a lot of expertise. We're talking things like robotics, software, artificial intelligence. That's the kind of technology that's gonna be driving the next generation, the future generation of cars and that's where they're really struggling to step up their game."

Tokyo, Japan - 25 October 2017

13. Various of Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION concept

14. Various of Honda Sports EV concept

LEADIN:

Concept cars, electric vehicles and hybrids are stealing the show at India's 2018 Auto Expo.

Brands including Toyota, Honda and Renault are showcasing futuristic designs and more environmentally-friendly motors.

STORYLINE:

South Korean car brand Kia is gearing up to enter the Indian market.

It's creating a lot of buzz at the 2018 Auto Expo in Uttar Pradesh, near New Delhi.

On display is the brand's new Stinger GT and the SP SUV, a compact SUV tailored for the Indian market, which the company plans to launch in 2019.

Thousands are flocking to India's biggest auto show to check out the latest in car design and technology.

Mercedes-Benz is showing off its Concept EQ. The sporty SUV runs on a battery-electric engine and can produce up to 300 kilowatts of power.

Renault is showcasing its Trezor Concept, showing what the future of battery-powered sports cars might look like.

Last year, in an attempt to clean up the country's air pollution, India's government announced that it wanted all new cars from 2030 onwards to be electric.

But there's a long way to go for the relatively expensive electric and hybrid vehicles to penetrate the Indian market, which is currently dominated by more affordable petrol and diesel cars.

This Honda Accord Hybrid comes at a hefty price tag of $67,000 USD in India.

But car makers like Honda are hopeful Indians will buy more environmentally-friendly cars, with more incentives from the government.

"In these 12 years from now till 2030, we can save a lot of fuel by bringing in these technologies," says Rakesh Sidana, operating head at Honda Cars India.

"So, our request to the government also is that let's build up a ten years road map. How do we want to transition towards the EVs (electric vehicles)?"

Toyota is showing off its electric Prius PHV.

Renault is displaying its Zoe E-Sport Concept, a two-door version of its electric city car, which it plans to bring to India.

Car makers say they believe young Indians, with more money to spend due to rising incomes, will take to electric and hybrid vehicles.

"If we talk about our products, most of our products are selling in the top grades," says Sidana.

"Which shows that if you give value to the customer he is willing to lap it up. And India being a younger nation, so the capacity to spend more is there if you give him the right value."

India's second largest car manufacturer Hyundai is set to introduce a toned-down version of its fully-electric Ioniq sedan to Indians next year.

Puneet Anand, senior general manager at Hyundai India, believes hybrid and electric cars are the future vehicles of India.

"Fossil fuels and the import cost of all these fossil fuels will become challeng(ing) at a later stage of time," he says.

"So, we want to give very clean mobility solutions to every people. And with every manufacturer coming in with the technology, the affordability of this electric car technology will also increase. In fact, when we talk of alternative fuels there is electric car, there is a hybrid car, there is a plug-in hybrid, and we also have a technology called the fuel cell electric vehicle. So, we have everything ready for the future and we want everybody to be a partner to that."

India's Auto Expo 2018 runs till 14 February.

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh - 9 February 2018

1. Mid of musicians performing

2. Wide of musicians performing, models posing next to Kia Stinger GT Concept (white) and Kia SP SUV Concept as visitors watch

3. Visitors taking pictures

4. Wide of models posing with Kia Stinger GT Concept (white) and Kia SP SUV Concept as visitors watch

5. Mid of a model posing next to Kia SP SUV Concept

6. Mid of Mercedes Benz emblem on Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ

7. Wide of model posing next to Mercedes Benz Concept EQ

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 12 February 2018

8. Sign on floor 'Renault Trezor', tilt up to model posing next to concept car

9. Close of steering wheel of Renault Trezor concept car

10. Various of Toyota FCV Plus concept car

11. Close of front of Honda Sports EV concept car

12. Wide of Honda Sports EV concept car (right) and NeuV concept car (left)

13. Pan right from Honda Sports EV to NeuV concept car

14. Visitor taking photos on his phone

15. Door of NeuV concept car opening

16. Mid of NeuV concept car interior

17. Wide of visitors at Honda pavilion

18. Wide of model posing next to Honda Accord Hybrid car, priced at approx. $67,000 USD in India

19. SOUNDBITE (English) Rakesh Sidana, Operating Head, Marketing and Strategy, Honda Cars India Limited:

"Accord (Hybrid) that we are showcasing here, it's 55 percent more efficient than a normal petrol Accord. So, in these 12 years from now till 2030, we can save a lot of fuel by bringing in these technologies. So, our request to the government also is that let's build up a ten years road map. How do we want to transition towards the EVs (electric vehicles)? So, hybrid is a one good stepping stone, plug in hybrids is another one. So, internationally also if you look at, all countries are talking about 15 percent, 20 percent penetration to 2030 of pure battery electric vehicles because of the inherent battery constraints in terms of technology. But even our own global policy is that by 2030, two third of our cars will be electric vehicles."

20. Wide of Toyota pavilion

21. Various of Toyota's Prius PHV plug-in hybrid

22. Various of Renault Zoe E- Sports concept car

23. Close of visitor taking pictures on phone

24. Pan left from visitors to electric motor of Renault Zoe

25. Mid of electric motor

26. Close of charging point

27. Various of Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle

28. SOUNDBITE (English) Rakesh Sidana, Operating Head, Marketing and Strategy, Honda Cars India Limited:

"There is a very high price sensitivity in this market, but there is also a very high value consciousness. So, if we talk about our products, most of our products are selling in the top grades, which shows that if you give value to the customer he is willing to lap it up. And India being a younger nation, so the capacity to spend more is there if you give him the right value. So, we don't see a challenge in terms of pricing, we see a challenge of very high value of equation to be given to the customer and that's what our endeavour has been."

29. Pan left of visitors looking at cars at Hyundai pavilion

30. Close of Hyundai's electric car, Ioniq, being charged

31. Various of visitors looking at car

32. Tracking shot of Hyundai Ioniq

33. Various of Ioniq interior

34. SOUNDBITE (English) Puneet Anand, Senior General Manager and Group Head, Marketing, Hyundai Motor India Limited:

"Fossil fuels and the import cost of all these fossil fuels will become challeng(ing) at a later stage of time. So, we want to give very clean mobility solutions to every people. And with every manufacturer coming in with the technology, the affordability of this electric car technology will also increase. In fact, when we talk of alternative fuels there is electric car, there is a hybrid car, there is a plug-in hybrid, and we also have a technology called the fuel cell electric vehicle. So, we have everything ready for the future and we want everybody to be a partner to that."

35. Close of dancers performing at Hyundai pavilion

36. Wide of Hyundai pavilion

LEADIN:

Concept cars, electric vehicles and hybrids are stealing the show at India's 2018 Auto Expo.

Brands including Toyota, Honda and Renault are showcasing futuristic designs and more environmentally-friendly motors.

STORYLINE:

South Korean car brand Kia is gearing up to enter the Indian market.

It's creating a lot of buzz at the 2018 Auto Expo in Uttar Pradesh, near New Delhi.

On display is the brand's new Stinger GT and the SP SUV, a compact SUV tailored for the Indian market, which the company plans to launch in 2019.

Thousands are flocking to India's biggest auto show to check out the latest in car design and technology.

Mercedes-Benz is showing off its Concept EQ. The sporty SUV runs on a battery-electric engine and can produce up to 300 kilowatts of power.

Renault is showcasing its Trezor Concept, showing what the future of battery-powered sports cars might look like.

Last year, in an attempt to clean up the country's air pollution, India's government announced that it wanted all new cars from 2030 onwards to be electric.

But there's a long way to go for the relatively expensive electric and hybrid vehicles to penetrate the Indian market, which is currently dominated by more affordable petrol and diesel cars.

This Honda Accord Hybrid comes at a hefty price tag of $67,000 USD in India.

But car makers like Honda are hopeful Indians will buy more environmentally-friendly cars, with more incentives from the government.

"In these 12 years from now till 2030, we can save a lot of fuel by bringing in these technologies," says Rakesh Sidana, operating head at Honda Cars India.

"So, our request to the government also is that let's build up a ten years road map. How do we want to transition towards the EVs (electric vehicles)?"

Toyota is showing off its electric Prius PHV.

Renault is displaying its Zoe E-Sport Concept, a two-door version of its electric city car, which it plans to bring to India.

Car makers say they believe young Indians, with more money to spend due to rising incomes, will take to electric and hybrid vehicles.

"If we talk about our products, most of our products are selling in the top grades," says Sidana.

"Which shows that if you give value to the customer he is willing to lap it up. And India being a younger nation, so the capacity to spend more is there if you give him the right value."

India's second largest car manufacturer Hyundai is set to introduce a toned-down version of its fully-electric Ioniq sedan to Indians next year.

Puneet Anand, senior general manager at Hyundai India, believes hybrid and electric cars are the future vehicles of India.

"Fossil fuels and the import cost of all these fossil fuels will become challeng(ing) at a later stage of time," he says.

"So, we want to give very clean mobility solutions to every people. And with every manufacturer coming in with the technology, the affordability of this electric car technology will also increase. In fact, when we talk of alternative fuels there is electric car, there is a hybrid car, there is a plug-in hybrid, and we also have a technology called the fuel cell electric vehicle. So, we have everything ready for the future and we want everybody to be a partner to that."

India's Auto Expo 2018 runs till 14 February.

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh - 9 February 2018

1. Mid of musicians performing

2. Wide of musicians performing, models posing next to Kia Stinger GT Concept (white) and Kia SP SUV Concept as visitors watch

3. Visitors taking pictures

4. Wide of models posing with Kia Stinger GT Concept (white) and Kia SP SUV Concept as visitors watch

5. Mid of a model posing next to Kia SP SUV Concept

6. Mid of Mercedes Benz emblem on Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ

7. Wide of model posing next to Mercedes Benz Concept EQ

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 12 February 2018

8. Sign on floor 'Renault Trezor', tilt up to model posing next to concept car

9. Close of steering wheel of Renault Trezor concept car

10. Various of Toyota FCV Plus concept car

11. Close of front of Honda Sports EV concept car

12. Wide of Honda Sports EV concept car (right) and NeuV concept car (left)

13. Pan right from Honda Sports EV to NeuV concept car

14. Visitor taking photos on his phone

15. Door of NeuV concept car opening

16. Mid of NeuV concept car interior

17. Wide of visitors at Honda pavilion

18. Wide of model posing next to Honda Accord Hybrid car, priced at approx. $67,000 USD in India

19. SOUNDBITE (English) Rakesh Sidana, Operating Head, Marketing and Strategy, Honda Cars India Limited:

"Accord (Hybrid) that we are showcasing here, it's 55 percent more efficient than a normal petrol Accord. So, in these 12 years from now till 2030, we can save a lot of fuel by bringing in these technologies. So, our request to the government also is that let's build up a ten years road map. How do we want to transition towards the EVs (electric vehicles)? So, hybrid is a one good stepping stone, plug in hybrids is another one. So, internationally also if you look at, all countries are talking about 15 percent, 20 percent penetration to 2030 of pure battery electric vehicles because of the inherent battery constraints in terms of technology. But even our own global policy is that by 2030, two third of our cars will be electric vehicles."

20. Wide of Toyota pavilion

21. Various of Toyota's Prius PHV plug-in hybrid

22. Various of Renault Zoe E- Sports concept car

23. Close of visitor taking pictures on phone

24. Pan left from visitors to electric motor of Renault Zoe

25. Mid of electric motor

26. Close of charging point

27. Various of Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle

28. SOUNDBITE (English) Rakesh Sidana, Operating Head, Marketing and Strategy, Honda Cars India Limited:

"There is a very high price sensitivity in this market, but there is also a very high value consciousness. So, if we talk about our products, most of our products are selling in the top grades, which shows that if you give value to the customer he is willing to lap it up. And India being a younger nation, so the capacity to spend more is there if you give him the right value. So, we don't see a challenge in terms of pricing, we see a challenge of very high value of equation to be given to the customer and that's what our endeavour has been."

29. Pan left of visitors looking at cars at Hyundai pavilion

30. Close of Hyundai's electric car, Ioniq, being charged

31. Various of visitors looking at car

32. Tracking shot of Hyundai Ioniq

33. Various of Ioniq interior

34. SOUNDBITE (English) Puneet Anand, Senior General Manager and Group Head, Marketing, Hyundai Motor India Limited:

"Fossil fuels and the import cost of all these fossil fuels will become challeng(ing) at a later stage of time. So, we want to give very clean mobility solutions to every people. And with every manufacturer coming in with the technology, the affordability of this electric car technology will also increase. In fact, when we talk of alternative fuels there is electric car, there is a hybrid car, there is a plug-in hybrid, and we also have a technology called the fuel cell electric vehicle. So, we have everything ready for the future and we want everybody to be a partner to that."

35. Close of dancers performing at Hyundai pavilion

36. Wide of Hyundai pavilion

LEADIN:

Concept cars, electric vehicles and hybrids are stealing the show at India's 2018 Auto Expo.

Brands including Toyota, Honda and Renault are showcasing futuristic designs and more environmentally-friendly motors.

STORYLINE:

South Korean car brand Kia is gearing up to enter the Indian market.

It's creating a lot of buzz at the 2018 Auto Expo in Uttar Pradesh, near New Delhi.

On display is the brand's new Stinger GT and the SP SUV, a compact SUV tailored for the Indian market, which the company plans to launch in 2019.

Thousands are flocking to India's biggest auto show to check out the latest in car design and technology.

Mercedes-Benz is showing off its Concept EQ. The sporty SUV runs on a battery-electric engine and can produce up to 300 kilowatts of power.

Renault is showcasing its Trezor Concept, showing what the future of battery-powered sports cars might look like.

Last year, in an attempt to clean up the country's air pollution, India's government announced that it wanted all new cars from 2030 onwards to be electric.

But there's a long way to go for the relatively expensive electric and hybrid vehicles to penetrate the Indian market, which is currently dominated by more affordable petrol and diesel cars.

This Honda Accord Hybrid comes at a hefty price tag of $67,000 USD in India.

But car makers like Honda are hopeful Indians will buy more environmentally-friendly cars, with more incentives from the government.

"In these 12 years from now till 2030, we can save a lot of fuel by bringing in these technologies," says Rakesh Sidana, operating head at Honda Cars India.

"So, our request to the government also is that let's build up a ten years road map. How do we want to transition towards the EVs (electric vehicles)?"

Toyota is showing off its electric Prius PHV.

Renault is displaying its Zoe E-Sport Concept, a two-door version of its electric city car, which it plans to bring to India.

Car makers say they believe young Indians, with more money to spend due to rising incomes, will take to electric and hybrid vehicles.

"If we talk about our products, most of our products are selling in the top grades," says Sidana.

"Which shows that if you give value to the customer he is willing to lap it up. And India being a younger nation, so the capacity to spend more is there if you give him the right value."

India's second largest car manufacturer Hyundai is set to introduce a toned-down version of its fully-electric Ioniq sedan to Indians next year.

Puneet Anand, senior general manager at Hyundai India, believes hybrid and electric cars are the future vehicles of India.

"Fossil fuels and the import cost of all these fossil fuels will become challeng(ing) at a later stage of time," he says.

"So, we want to give very clean mobility solutions to every people. And with every manufacturer coming in with the technology, the affordability of this electric car technology will also increase. In fact, when we talk of alternative fuels there is electric car, there is a hybrid car, there is a plug-in hybrid, and we also have a technology called the fuel cell electric vehicle. So, we have everything ready for the future and we want everybody to be a partner to that."

India's Auto Expo 2018 runs till 14 February.

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh - 9 February 2018

1. Mid of musicians performing

2. Wide of musicians performing, models posing next to Kia Stinger GT Concept (white) and Kia SP SUV Concept as visitors watch

3. Visitors taking pictures

4. Wide of models posing with Kia Stinger GT Concept (white) and Kia SP SUV Concept as visitors watch

5. Mid of a model posing next to Kia SP SUV Concept

6. Mid of Mercedes Benz emblem on Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ

7. Wide of model posing next to Mercedes Benz Concept EQ

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 12 February 2018

8. Sign on floor 'Renault Trezor', tilt up to model posing next to concept car

9. Close of steering wheel of Renault Trezor concept car

10. Various of Toyota FCV Plus concept car

11. Close of front of Honda Sports EV concept car

12. Wide of Honda Sports EV concept car (right) and NeuV concept car (left)

13. Pan right from Honda Sports EV to NeuV concept car

14. Visitor taking photos on his phone

15. Door of NeuV concept car opening

16. Mid of NeuV concept car interior

17. Wide of visitors at Honda pavilion

18. Wide of model posing next to Honda Accord Hybrid car, priced at approx. $67,000 USD in India

19. SOUNDBITE (English) Rakesh Sidana, Operating Head, Marketing and Strategy, Honda Cars India Limited:

"Accord (Hybrid) that we are showcasing here, it's 55 percent more efficient than a normal petrol Accord. So, in these 12 years from now till 2030, we can save a lot of fuel by bringing in these technologies. So, our request to the government also is that let's build up a ten years road map. How do we want to transition towards the EVs (electric vehicles)? So, hybrid is a one good stepping stone, plug in hybrids is another one. So, internationally also if you look at, all countries are talking about 15 percent, 20 percent penetration to 2030 of pure battery electric vehicles because of the inherent battery constraints in terms of technology. But even our own global policy is that by 2030, two third of our cars will be electric vehicles."

20. Wide of Toyota pavilion

21. Various of Toyota's Prius PHV plug-in hybrid

22. Various of Renault Zoe E- Sports concept car

23. Close of visitor taking pictures on phone

24. Pan left from visitors to electric motor of Renault Zoe

25. Mid of electric motor

26. Close of charging point

27. Various of Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle

28. SOUNDBITE (English) Rakesh Sidana, Operating Head, Marketing and Strategy, Honda Cars India Limited:

"There is a very high price sensitivity in this market, but there is also a very high value consciousness. So, if we talk about our products, most of our products are selling in the top grades, which shows that if you give value to the customer he is willing to lap it up. And India being a younger nation, so the capacity to spend more is there if you give him the right value. So, we don't see a challenge in terms of pricing, we see a challenge of very high value of equation to be given to the customer and that's what our endeavour has been."

29. Pan left of visitors looking at cars at Hyundai pavilion

30. Close of Hyundai's electric car, Ioniq, being charged

31. Various of visitors looking at car

32. Tracking shot of Hyundai Ioniq

33. Various of Ioniq interior

34. SOUNDBITE (English) Puneet Anand, Senior General Manager and Group Head, Marketing, Hyundai Motor India Limited:

"Fossil fuels and the import cost of all these fossil fuels will become challeng(ing) at a later stage of time. So, we want to give very clean mobility solutions to every people. And with every manufacturer coming in with the technology, the affordability of this electric car technology will also increase. In fact, when we talk of alternative fuels there is electric car, there is a hybrid car, there is a plug-in hybrid, and we also have a technology called the fuel cell electric vehicle. So, we have everything ready for the future and we want everybody to be a partner to that."

35. Close of dancers performing at Hyundai pavilion

36. Wide of Hyundai pavilion

LEADIN:

The future is already here, that's the message at the Geneva International Motor Show as car makers debut futuristic creations.

Experts say as the industry moves towards digitised, battery-powered, self-driving technology, once wacky concept creations are now becoming a reality.

STORYLINE:

Could this be a vision of our future.

This is the QUANT 48VOLT, a high performance electric design by Zurich research and development centre nanoFlowcell.

But unlike many of the cars on the Geneva Motor Show floor, this is not headed for the production lines, it's instead a demonstration vehicle for how electric flowcell technology might change motoring.

Quant is equipped with a 48 V Low-Voltage Flow Cell Drive which delivers 300 kilometres per hour and zero to 100 kilometres in 2.4 seconds.

The flowcell technology promises a range of over 1,000 kilometres on a single charge, working on a low battery voltage of 48 volts.

Ralf Kaiser from nanoFlowcell says they created the QUANT to provide "perspective" on how electric power can change mobility.

"When I see many manufacturers, they do not have a perspective on electric mobility. You have individual business cases, like Tesla, but you do not have a future concept for electric mobility," he says.

"You have a lot of alibi cars because no-one wants to have fingers pointed at them; 'Oh, you don't have any electric car,' But if you ask for a long-term strategy there is none because the current technology doesn't provide a perspective. And this is why we are here."

Across the show floor, Toyota Europe are showcasing this EV vehicle, but the focus is not what's under the hood, but over it.

The i-TRIL is intended as a viable alternative to passenger cars, public transport or motorcycles for short, inner city journeys.

The idea is it can be used for short, city-centre commutes or perhaps picking up the kids from school.

But not too many kids, the i-TRIL boasts just two passenger seats, plus the front driving position.

"The future will be all about variety, you know. People driving SUVs, some others will use public transportation, but more and more we don't believe that one car can fit all your needs," says Pierre Romeo from Toyota Europe.

"So, in the future maybe you will try to rent this car or buy this car and rent the SUV or rent something else."

Japanese auto manufacturer Nissan is showing its vision of the future through an array of futuristic-looking vehicles, including this three-seater BladeGlider.

Nissan unveiled a working prototype of its futuristic vehicle, which combines zero-emissions, high-performance and sports car design.

A wild version of the design appeared back in 2013, but with advancing technologies, Nissan has now produced this working version.

Performance is central, promising 190 kilometres per hour and 0-100 kilometres in less than five seconds.

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn says they created the 'Glider' to prove electric cars aren't all reserved-looking cars.

"The BladeGlider is in fact a symbol of performance and electric cars," he says.

"A lot of people have an image of an electric as being good cars, but more stable, slow. Well, it's not the case. Electric cars are performance cars, they can be performance cars.

"So, here we have a completely new design, we have huge torque, we have a lot of performance, that's why for us it's a symbol of innovation and performance, with zero emissions."

While much of the industry heads towards battery power, Hyundai is exploring the possibilities in hydrogen fuel cell technology.

This FE Fuel Concept looks ahead to what the company's next generation of fuel cell vehicles might look like.

The name, 'FE', stands for 'Future Eco', reflecting the new technologies and eco-friendly outlook.

It can share that green theme too - the FE Concept is fitted with portable battery packs which are charged by the car's energy output and can be used to power other passenger vehicles.

Robin Hayles admits fuel cell tech is very much a new technology for many drivers.

He hopes this futuristic yet practical design may encourage others to explore it.

"The tricky thing with any kind of new technology, which fuel cell technology still is, is trying to find that balance between a desirable, futuristic-looking car, but at the same time not turning people away from it because it looks too futuristic," he says.

"Hopefully we've got there with this type of design. Yes, it's futuristic, but still able to deal with the demands of today's world."

While many car makers look five to ten years into the future with their concepts, French auto manufacturer Citroen is perhaps looking a little closer.

This C-Aircross concept is a bold and colourful preview of how the company plans to make its offensive on the booming SUV market.

It's not likely drivers will be going off road too often, instead it's about style, space and design.

Jim Holder, the editorial director of UK-based automotive magazine 'Autocar' says as the industry approaches once futuristic themes, such as digitisation and electric power, those concepts are becoming ever more realistic creations.

"I think it's the themes of autonomy and digitalisation and electrification that are showing through most in the concept cars," he says.

"Whatever a concept car is, it has to carry those themes because we know they're coming to market. They'll be on sale now within about five years.

"So, all the manufacturers are trying to show they're on top of that technology and that they do have a vision for how it can work its way into our lives."

The Geneva Motor Show opens to the public on 9 March and runs through March 19.

In total 900 models are shown by 180 exhibitors, including 148 world and European premiers, according to organisers.

Geneva, Switzerland - 6 March 2017

1. Various of nanoFlowcell QUANT 48VOLT on display at the Geneva Motor Show

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Ralf Kaiser, nanoFlowcell:

"When I see many manufacturers, they do not have a perspective on electric mobility. You have individual business cases, like Tesla, but you do not have a future concept for electric mobility. You have a lot of alibi cars because no-one wants to have fingers pointed at them; 'Oh, you don't have any electric car,' But if you ask for a long-term strategy there is none because the current technology doesn't provide a perspective. And this is why we are here."

3. Low shot of nanoFlowcell QUANT 48VOLT

4. Various of Toyota i-TRIL concept car

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Pierre Romeo, i-TRIL Chief Designer, Toyota Europe:

"The future will be all about variety, you know. People driving SUVs, some others will use public transportation, but more and more we don't believe that one car can fit all your needs. So, in the future maybe you will try to rent this car or buy this car and rent the SUV or rent something else."

6. Various of Nissan BladeGlider

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan:

"The BladeGlider is in fact a symbol of performance and electric cars. A lot of people have an image of an electric as being good cars, but more stable, slow. Well, it's not the case. Electric cars are performance cars, they can be performance cars. So, here we have a completely new design, we have huge torque, we have a lot of performance, that's why for us it's a symbol of innovation and performance, with zero emissions."

7. Various of Hyundai FE Fuel Cell Concept

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Robin Hayles, Hyundai:

"The tricky thing with any kind of new technology, which fuel cell technology still is, is trying to find that balance between a desirable, futuristic-looking car, but at the same time not turning people away from it because it looks too futuristic. Hopefully we've got there with this type of design. Yes, it's futuristic, but still able to deal with the demands of today's world."

9. Various of Citroen C-Aircross Concept

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

"I think it's the themes of autonomy and digitalization and electrification that are showing through most in the concept cars. Whatever a concept car is, it has to carry those themes because we know they're coming to market. They'll be on sale now within about five years. So, all the manufacturers are trying to show they're on top of that technology and that they do have a vision for how it can work its way into our lives."

11. Various of Quattroruote Scylla concept car

12. Various wide high shots of Geneva Motor Show floor

LEADIN:

The future is already here, that's the message at the Geneva International Motor Show as car makers debut futuristic creations.

Experts say as the industry moves towards digitised, battery-powered, self-driving technology, once wacky concept creations are now becoming a reality.

STORYLINE:

Could this be a vision of our future.

This is the QUANT 48VOLT, a high performance electric design by Zurich research and development centre nanoFlowcell.

But unlike many of the cars on the Geneva Motor Show floor, this is not headed for the production lines, it's instead a demonstration vehicle for how electric flowcell technology might change motoring.

Quant is equipped with a 48 V Low-Voltage Flow Cell Drive which delivers 300 kilometres per hour and zero to 100 kilometres in 2.4 seconds.

The flowcell technology promises a range of over 1,000 kilometres on a single charge, working on a low battery voltage of 48 volts.

Ralf Kaiser from nanoFlowcell says they created the QUANT to provide "perspective" on how electric power can change mobility.

"When I see many manufacturers, they do not have a perspective on electric mobility. You have individual business cases, like Tesla, but you do not have a future concept for electric mobility," he says.

"You have a lot of alibi cars because no-one wants to have fingers pointed at them; 'Oh, you don't have any electric car,' But if you ask for a long-term strategy there is none because the current technology doesn't provide a perspective. And this is why we are here."

Across the show floor, Toyota Europe are showcasing this EV vehicle, but the focus is not what's under the hood, but over it.

The i-TRIL is intended as a viable alternative to passenger cars, public transport or motorcycles for short, inner city journeys.

The idea is it can be used for short, city-centre commutes or perhaps picking up the kids from school.

But not too many kids, the i-TRIL boasts just two passenger seats, plus the front driving position.

"The future will be all about variety, you know. People driving SUVs, some others will use public transportation, but more and more we don't believe that one car can fit all your needs," says Pierre Romeo from Toyota Europe.

"So, in the future maybe you will try to rent this car or buy this car and rent the SUV or rent something else."

Japanese auto manufacturer Nissan is showing its vision of the future through an array of futuristic-looking vehicles, including this three-seater BladeGlider.

Nissan unveiled a working prototype of its futuristic vehicle, which combines zero-emissions, high-performance and sports car design.

A wild version of the design appeared back in 2013, but with advancing technologies, Nissan has now produced this working version.

Performance is central, promising 190 kilometres per hour and 0-100 kilometres in less than five seconds.

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn says they created the 'Glider' to prove electric cars aren't all reserved-looking cars.

"The BladeGlider is in fact a symbol of performance and electric cars," he says.

"A lot of people have an image of an electric as being good cars, but more stable, slow. Well, it's not the case. Electric cars are performance cars, they can be performance cars.

"So, here we have a completely new design, we have huge torque, we have a lot of performance, that's why for us it's a symbol of innovation and performance, with zero emissions."

While much of the industry heads towards battery power, Hyundai is exploring the possibilities in hydrogen fuel cell technology.

This FE Fuel Concept looks ahead to what the company's next generation of fuel cell vehicles might look like.

The name, 'FE', stands for 'Future Eco', reflecting the new technologies and eco-friendly outlook.

It can share that green theme too - the FE Concept is fitted with portable battery packs which are charged by the car's energy output and can be used to power other passenger vehicles.

Robin Hayles admits fuel cell tech is very much a new technology for many drivers.

He hopes this futuristic yet practical design may encourage others to explore it.

"The tricky thing with any kind of new technology, which fuel cell technology still is, is trying to find that balance between a desirable, futuristic-looking car, but at the same time not turning people away from it because it looks too futuristic," he says.

"Hopefully we've got there with this type of design. Yes, it's futuristic, but still able to deal with the demands of today's world."

While many car makers look five to ten years into the future with their concepts, French auto manufacturer Citroen is perhaps looking a little closer.

This C-Aircross concept is a bold and colourful preview of how the company plans to make its offensive on the booming SUV market.

It's not likely drivers will be going off road too often, instead it's about style, space and design.

Jim Holder, the editorial director of UK-based automotive magazine 'Autocar' says as the industry approaches once futuristic themes, such as digitisation and electric power, those concepts are becoming ever more realistic creations.

"I think it's the themes of autonomy and digitalisation and electrification that are showing through most in the concept cars," he says.

"Whatever a concept car is, it has to carry those themes because we know they're coming to market. They'll be on sale now within about five years.

"So, all the manufacturers are trying to show they're on top of that technology and that they do have a vision for how it can work its way into our lives."

The Geneva Motor Show opens to the public on 9 March and runs through March 19.

In total 900 models are shown by 180 exhibitors, including 148 world and European premiers, according to organisers.

Geneva, Switzerland - 6 March 2017

1. Various of nanoFlowcell QUANT 48VOLT on display at the Geneva Motor Show

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Ralf Kaiser, nanoFlowcell:

"When I see many manufacturers, they do not have a perspective on electric mobility. You have individual business cases, like Tesla, but you do not have a future concept for electric mobility. You have a lot of alibi cars because no-one wants to have fingers pointed at them; 'Oh, you don't have any electric car,' But if you ask for a long-term strategy there is none because the current technology doesn't provide a perspective. And this is why we are here."

3. Low shot of nanoFlowcell QUANT 48VOLT

4. Various of Toyota i-TRIL concept car

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Pierre Romeo, i-TRIL Chief Designer, Toyota Europe:

"The future will be all about variety, you know. People driving SUVs, some others will use public transportation, but more and more we don't believe that one car can fit all your needs. So, in the future maybe you will try to rent this car or buy this car and rent the SUV or rent something else."

6. Various of Nissan BladeGlider

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan:

"The BladeGlider is in fact a symbol of performance and electric cars. A lot of people have an image of an electric as being good cars, but more stable, slow. Well, it's not the case. Electric cars are performance cars, they can be performance cars. So, here we have a completely new design, we have huge torque, we have a lot of performance, that's why for us it's a symbol of innovation and performance, with zero emissions."

7. Various of Hyundai FE Fuel Cell Concept

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Robin Hayles, Hyundai:

"The tricky thing with any kind of new technology, which fuel cell technology still is, is trying to find that balance between a desirable, futuristic-looking car, but at the same time not turning people away from it because it looks too futuristic. Hopefully we've got there with this type of design. Yes, it's futuristic, but still able to deal with the demands of today's world."

9. Various of Citroen C-Aircross Concept

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

"I think it's the themes of autonomy and digitalization and electrification that are showing through most in the concept cars. Whatever a concept car is, it has to carry those themes because we know they're coming to market. They'll be on sale now within about five years. So, all the manufacturers are trying to show they're on top of that technology and that they do have a vision for how it can work its way into our lives."

11. Various of Quattroruote Scylla concept car

12. Various wide high shots of Geneva Motor Show floor

LEADIN:

Automakers are showcasing their latest concept cars at Auto Shanghai, with more luxury, more room and more automation being the theme.

But most prominently, it's all-electric vehicles that are taking centre-stage.

STORYLINE:

Chinese electric vehicle startup Aiways unveiled its new U7 Ion concept at Auto Shanghai.

It's a four-door EV with a foldable table, multiple touchscreens and an indoor robot that glides across the interior roof.

The all-electric concept car was designed to offer space and comfort. It's also being unveiled at its place of origin - Shanghai.

China is rapidly catching up with Europe and the United States when it comes to technological innovation, claims Aiways' Alexander Carsten Klose.

"It's just not going to be the way it was in the past, that innovations only came from one area of the world, now they will come from everywhere," he says.

Klose says he's confident the European market is now ready for Chinese-branded and Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles.

One reason is they're more affordable than many other EVs currently on the market.

BMW's iNEXT concept car is also fully-electric and boasts autonomous driving features.

The interior features wooden floors, couch-like seats and almost minimalist design on the dashboard.

iNEXT's production model is slated to be built at the company's plant in Dingolfing, Germany, starting in 2021.

Meanwhile, Nissan's iMQ concept features an all-electric motor drive, delivering 250 kilowatts of output and 700 Nm of torque.

According to Nissan, with its geometric design, the iMQ blends "Japanese heritage with state-of-the-art, human-centric technology".

Toyota is presenting its full-EV concept Rhombus, a compact design with just one forward seat for the driver and couch-like seats in the back.

As automakers race for new energy technologies as well as intelligent transport systems, Cui Dongshu, the secretary-general of China's Passenger Car Association, says manufacturers are being laden with increasing development costs.

"We think the development of the technology is too fast, so for the enterprises, what they are facing now is a huge technology investment and exploration to the development," he says.

Auto Shanghai runs through 25 April at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

Shanghai, China – 17 April 2019

1. Wide of Aiways concept vehicle U7 Ion on display

2. Pan left of U7 Ion interior

3. Tracking shot from door to car interior

4. Mid of folding table opening

5. Pan right of screens behind car seats

6. Mid of car interior

7. Wide of U7 Ion on show floor

8. Setup shot of Alexander Carsten Klose, Executive Vice President for Overseas Operations and Product Strategy at Aiways, speaking

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Alexander Carsten Klose, Executive Vice President for Overseas Operations and Product Strategy at Aiways:

"China is moving very fast these days. I think we also see some new concepts coming out of the U.S. or of Europe, it's just not going to be the way it was in the past, that innovations only came from one area of the world, now they will come from everywhere."

10. Various of Aiways booth and cars on display

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Alexander Carsten Klose, Executive Vice President for Overseas Operations and Product Strategy at Aiways:

"In China, the one big advantage we have as a startup is that people here are more used to using battery-electric vehicles. And we have more data and more feedback already, what works and what doesn't work, so we have more experience in that field. That's what we think is our biggest advantage. At the same time, we have a lot of people in our company (who) are from traditional carmakers, so we know how to make a car to the highest quality standards."

12. Various of battery robot recharging Aiways vehicle

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Alexander Carsten Klose, Executive Vice President for Overseas Operations and Product Strategy at Aiways:

"European consumers would actually accept a Chinese brand in something where the whole of Europe now recognise that China might have an advantage in development because it's an EV (electric vehicle). If it would have been a traditional combustion-engined car, maybe that question would be more relevant, but for an EV, we know there's much more experience over here in China, because China has been used to EVs for a much longer time."

14. Various of Nissan IMQ concept car

15. Various of Toyota Rhombus concept car

16. Wide of BMW booth

17. Various of BMW iNEXT concept car

Shanghai, China – 16 April 2019

18. Setup shot of Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, speaking

19. SOUNDBITE (English) Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG:

"China is really playing a leading role here. It is a very important element for automated driving. So, we are investing as a BMW group a lot in automated driving, you see here on the stand our BMW iNEXT, which is what I call the incubator of everything that BMW has to offer in terms of innovation. Of course, it's fully-electric with a range of 600 kilometres, but also offers a very high-level of automated driving capabilities and 5G is important to that. So, BMW Group is, as far as I know, the first international manufacturer that obtained a licence for automated road tests here in Shanghai. So, we are also cooperating very closely with our Chinese colleagues here."

Shanghai, China – 17 April 2019

20. Various of auto show floor

21. Various of Tesla booth

Shanghai, China – 16 April 2019

22. Setup shot of Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of China Passenger Car Association, speaking

23. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of China Passenger Car Association:

"We think the development of the technology is too fast, so for the enterprises, what they are facing now is a huge technology investment and exploration to the development."

Shanghai, China – 17 April 2019

24. Various of Chinese EV startup Enovate's car on display

LEADIN:

Automakers are showcasing their latest concept cars at Auto Shanghai, with more luxury, more room and more automation being the theme.

But most prominently, it's all-electric vehicles that are taking centre-stage.

STORYLINE:

Chinese electric vehicle startup Aiways unveiled its new U7 Ion concept at Auto Shanghai.

It's a four-door EV with a foldable table, multiple touchscreens and an indoor robot that glides across the interior roof.

The all-electric concept car was designed to offer space and comfort. It's also being unveiled at its place of origin - Shanghai.

China is rapidly catching up with Europe and the United States when it comes to technological innovation, claims Aiways' Alexander Carsten Klose.

"It's just not going to be the way it was in the past, that innovations only came from one area of the world, now they will come from everywhere," he says.

Klose says he's confident the European market is now ready for Chinese-branded and Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles.

One reason is they're more affordable than many other EVs currently on the market.

BMW's iNEXT concept car is also fully-electric and boasts autonomous driving features.

The interior features wooden floors, couch-like seats and almost minimalist design on the dashboard.

iNEXT's production model is slated to be built at the company's plant in Dingolfing, Germany, starting in 2021.

Meanwhile, Nissan's iMQ concept features an all-electric motor drive, delivering 250 kilowatts of output and 700 Nm of torque.

According to Nissan, with its geometric design, the iMQ blends "Japanese heritage with state-of-the-art, human-centric technology".

Toyota is presenting its full-EV concept Rhombus, a compact design with just one forward seat for the driver and couch-like seats in the back.

As automakers race for new energy technologies as well as intelligent transport systems, Cui Dongshu, the secretary-general of China's Passenger Car Association, says manufacturers are being laden with increasing development costs.

"We think the development of the technology is too fast, so for the enterprises, what they are facing now is a huge technology investment and exploration to the development," he says.

Auto Shanghai runs through 25 April at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

Shanghai, China – 17 April 2019

1. Wide of Aiways concept vehicle U7 Ion on display

2. Pan left of U7 Ion interior

3. Tracking shot from door to car interior

4. Mid of folding table opening

5. Pan right of screens behind car seats

6. Mid of car interior

7. Wide of U7 Ion on show floor

8. Setup shot of Alexander Carsten Klose, Executive Vice President for Overseas Operations and Product Strategy at Aiways, speaking

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Alexander Carsten Klose, Executive Vice President for Overseas Operations and Product Strategy at Aiways:

"China is moving very fast these days. I think we also see some new concepts coming out of the U.S. or of Europe, it's just not going to be the way it was in the past, that innovations only came from one area of the world, now they will come from everywhere."

10. Various of Aiways booth and cars on display

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Alexander Carsten Klose, Executive Vice President for Overseas Operations and Product Strategy at Aiways:

"In China, the one big advantage we have as a startup is that people here are more used to using battery-electric vehicles. And we have more data and more feedback already, what works and what doesn't work, so we have more experience in that field. That's what we think is our biggest advantage. At the same time, we have a lot of people in our company (who) are from traditional carmakers, so we know how to make a car to the highest quality standards."

12. Various of battery robot recharging Aiways vehicle

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Alexander Carsten Klose, Executive Vice President for Overseas Operations and Product Strategy at Aiways:

"European consumers would actually accept a Chinese brand in something where the whole of Europe now recognise that China might have an advantage in development because it's an EV (electric vehicle). If it would have been a traditional combustion-engined car, maybe that question would be more relevant, but for an EV, we know there's much more experience over here in China, because China has been used to EVs for a much longer time."

14. Various of Nissan IMQ concept car

15. Various of Toyota Rhombus concept car

16. Wide of BMW booth

17. Various of BMW iNEXT concept car

Shanghai, China – 16 April 2019

18. Setup shot of Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, speaking

19. SOUNDBITE (English) Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG:

"China is really playing a leading role here. It is a very important element for automated driving. So, we are investing as a BMW group a lot in automated driving, you see here on the stand our BMW iNEXT, which is what I call the incubator of everything that BMW has to offer in terms of innovation. Of course, it's fully-electric with a range of 600 kilometres, but also offers a very high-level of automated driving capabilities and 5G is important to that. So, BMW Group is, as far as I know, the first international manufacturer that obtained a licence for automated road tests here in Shanghai. So, we are also cooperating very closely with our Chinese colleagues here."

Shanghai, China – 17 April 2019

20. Various of auto show floor

21. Various of Tesla booth

Shanghai, China – 16 April 2019

22. Setup shot of Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of China Passenger Car Association, speaking

23. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of China Passenger Car Association:

"We think the development of the technology is too fast, so for the enterprises, what they are facing now is a huge technology investment and exploration to the development."

Shanghai, China – 17 April 2019

24. Various of Chinese EV startup Enovate's car on display

LEADIN:

Automakers are showcasing their latest concept cars at Auto Shanghai, with more luxury, more room and more automation being the theme.

But most prominently, it's all-electric vehicles that are taking centre-stage.

STORYLINE:

Chinese electric vehicle startup Aiways unveiled its new U7 Ion concept at Auto Shanghai.

It's a four-door EV with a foldable table, multiple touchscreens and an indoor robot that glides across the interior roof.

The all-electric concept car was designed to offer space and comfort. It's also being unveiled at its place of origin - Shanghai.

China is rapidly catching up with Europe and the United States when it comes to technological innovation, claims Aiways' Alexander Carsten Klose.

"It's just not going to be the way it was in the past, that innovations only came from one area of the world, now they will come from everywhere," he says.

Klose says he's confident the European market is now ready for Chinese-branded and Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles.

One reason is they're more affordable than many other EVs currently on the market.

BMW's iNEXT concept car is also fully-electric and boasts autonomous driving features.

The interior features wooden floors, couch-like seats and almost minimalist design on the dashboard.

iNEXT's production model is slated to be built at the company's plant in Dingolfing, Germany, starting in 2021.

Meanwhile, Nissan's iMQ concept features an all-electric motor drive, delivering 250 kilowatts of output and 700 Nm of torque.

According to Nissan, with its geometric design, the iMQ blends "Japanese heritage with state-of-the-art, human-centric technology".

Toyota is presenting its full-EV concept Rhombus, a compact design with just one forward seat for the driver and couch-like seats in the back.

As automakers race for new energy technologies as well as intelligent transport systems, Cui Dongshu, the secretary-general of China's Passenger Car Association, says manufacturers are being laden with increasing development costs.

"We think the development of the technology is too fast, so for the enterprises, what they are facing now is a huge technology investment and exploration to the development," he says.

Auto Shanghai runs through 25 April at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

Shanghai, China – 17 April 2019

1. Wide of Aiways concept vehicle U7 Ion on display

2. Pan left of U7 Ion interior

3. Tracking shot from door to car interior

4. Mid of folding table opening

5. Pan right of screens behind car seats

6. Mid of car interior

7. Wide of U7 Ion on show floor

8. Setup shot of Alexander Carsten Klose, Executive Vice President for Overseas Operations and Product Strategy at Aiways, speaking

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Alexander Carsten Klose, Executive Vice President for Overseas Operations and Product Strategy at Aiways:

"China is moving very fast these days. I think we also see some new concepts coming out of the U.S. or of Europe, it's just not going to be the way it was in the past, that innovations only came from one area of the world, now they will come from everywhere."

10. Various of Aiways booth and cars on display

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Alexander Carsten Klose, Executive Vice President for Overseas Operations and Product Strategy at Aiways:

"In China, the one big advantage we have as a startup is that people here are more used to using battery-electric vehicles. And we have more data and more feedback already, what works and what doesn't work, so we have more experience in that field. That's what we think is our biggest advantage. At the same time, we have a lot of people in our company (who) are from traditional carmakers, so we know how to make a car to the highest quality standards."

12. Various of battery robot recharging Aiways vehicle

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Alexander Carsten Klose, Executive Vice President for Overseas Operations and Product Strategy at Aiways:

"European consumers would actually accept a Chinese brand in something where the whole of Europe now recognise that China might have an advantage in development because it's an EV (electric vehicle). If it would have been a traditional combustion-engined car, maybe that question would be more relevant, but for an EV, we know there's much more experience over here in China, because China has been used to EVs for a much longer time."

14. Various of Nissan IMQ concept car

15. Various of Toyota Rhombus concept car

16. Wide of BMW booth

17. Various of BMW iNEXT concept car

Shanghai, China – 16 April 2019

18. Setup shot of Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, speaking

19. SOUNDBITE (English) Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG:

"China is really playing a leading role here. It is a very important element for automated driving. So, we are investing as a BMW group a lot in automated driving, you see here on the stand our BMW iNEXT, which is what I call the incubator of everything that BMW has to offer in terms of innovation. Of course, it's fully-electric with a range of 600 kilometres, but also offers a very high-level of automated driving capabilities and 5G is important to that. So, BMW Group is, as far as I know, the first international manufacturer that obtained a licence for automated road tests here in Shanghai. So, we are also cooperating very closely with our Chinese colleagues here."

Shanghai, China – 17 April 2019

20. Various of auto show floor

21. Various of Tesla booth

Shanghai, China – 16 April 2019

22. Setup shot of Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of China Passenger Car Association, speaking

23. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of China Passenger Car Association:

"We think the development of the technology is too fast, so for the enterprises, what they are facing now is a huge technology investment and exploration to the development."

Shanghai, China – 17 April 2019

24. Various of Chinese EV startup Enovate's car on display