Japanese/English

Toyota has introduced the first car that uses a hybrid of petrol and electricity for power.

The Prius (pron: PREEH-us) four-door small sedan will sell only in Japan and will cost 2.15 million Japanese yen or 17-thousand-700 U-S dollars.

Toyota claims the car emits only half the carbon dioxide of a similar gasoline-powered vehicle and cuts other tailpipe emissions by about 90 percent.

It comes less than 24 hours after the Japanese government delivered an anti-global warming plan that would require individuals to curb their use of the petrol-fuelled car.

The car of the future?

Toyota on Tuesday unveiled the first environmentally-friendly hybrid car.

The four-door sedan, is cheap by Japanese standards, at 17-thousand-700 U-S dollars; efficient, doing 28 kilometres to a litre -- or 66 miles per gallon -- and easy on pollution, with a 90 percent reduction in tailpipe emissions.

SOUNDBITE: (Japanese)

"We need to aggressively challenge over- technological innovation. Furthermore, we will open the new era by repeatedly conversing with society."

SUPER CAPTION: Hiroshi Okuda, President of Toyota Motor Co.

Toyota is the first on to the market.

All the major car manufacturers, including America's Big Three, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, and the Europeans are also working on hybrid technology.

But Toyota is the only one so far to actually bring a hybrid to the showrooms.

Toyota says it plans to sell about 1-thousand hybrids a year.

How the car will be received by consumers is unclear.

But it is sure to excite engineers across the world, who will be taking a good look at the first Prius they can get their hands on.

The hybrid is clever and expensive technology.

It runs on electricity at lower speeds when the petrol engine is less efficient and switches to petrol only after it picks up speed.

But unlike the even cleaner electric car that has to be recharged after 200 kilometres (120 miles), the driver only needs to take it to a regular gas station because its engine and brakes keep the hybrid recharged.

Although its fuel economy is an attraction in Japan, given its high petrol prices -- 90 yen per litre or 2.80 dollars U-S per gallon), how much consumers are willing to pay for a hybrid remains a question.

Both Nissan and Honda Motor Co. have recently disclosed their own hybrid technology and say they plan to put a hybrid car on the market in the next year or so.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"This is just, you know, the headstart on various hybrid systems being developed by Japanese, American and European automakers. So we'll see how it evolves but I think this is a very good headstart."

SUPER CAPTION: Toshio Aritake, Bureau of National Affairs

But for Toyota there is a certain cache to being first.

It's also good marketing. Toyota will be in a good position to monitor customer feedback and adjust later models accordingly.

Meanwhile, a Japanese engineering firm has unveiled the world's first magnetic powered vehicle -- albeit a small one.

With this truck, seen here in a model version, the Nihon Riken company claims petrol would be redundant for transporting goods by road and could be used only for cars and heavy industry.

The company has developed a system which is says will replace petrol with magnets as an energy source.

Teruo Kawai, the head of the project team discovered how to convert the electromagnetic energy of the permanent magnet into output energy by introducing a special switching function.

In a series of applications, iron is combined with a permanent magnet to be used as one magnetic substance.

SOUNDBITE: (Japanese)

"My final goal is, at the time when people's biggest concern is pollution, to produce a car that would not cause any pollution at all. I want to make a motor which needs less battery and is effective. That's is to say, a motor with a new concept."

SUPER CAPTION: Teruo Kawai, inventor of magnetic powered vehicle

The development of new environmentally-friendly power sources is timely.

The Japanese government has just set out a plan to reduce greenhouse emissions by 5 percent, including deadly carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.

The plan calls for people to substantially reduce their use of the conventional petrol-powered car.

Tokyo, Japan. 13 and 14 October 1997

14 October 1997

1. Wide shot of hybrid powered car being unveiled

2. Close up pan across car

3. Wide shot of car show being addressed by Hiroshi Okuda

4. SOUNDBITE: Hiroshi Okuda, President of Toyota Motor Co. (Japanese)

5. Various of Toyota video explaining hybrid power system.

6. Prospective buyer sitting in car

7. Pan from prospective buyer in car to engine

8. SOUNDBITE: Toshio Aritake, Bureau of National Affairs (English)

9. Interior of the car

13 October 1997

10. Wide shot of magnetic powered vehicle.

11. Close up of vehicle.

12. Various of engineering placing magnet in power drive.

13. SOUNDBITE: Teruo Kawai, Inventor of magnetic powered

vehicle (Japanese)

14. Wide shot of vehicle being photographed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consumers can expect costs in line with some luxury models.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

hydrogen will be needed.

AP TELEVISION

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Los Angeles, California

1. Wide, convention floor at Los Angeles Auto Show

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. Wide, Honda sign on convention floor

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

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

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

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

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

18. Tight, Honda insignia on front of car

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

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

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

22. Tight, Iwamura speaks to Japanese reporters

23. Medium pan, concept car

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

25. Wide, audience waiting for Hyundai press conference

26. Medium, people at Hyundai presser

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

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

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

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

31. Wide, Krafcik on stage

32. Medium, Hyundai Tucson compact SUV

33. Wide, Toyota display at convention

34. Tight, Toyota sign

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

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

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4038307

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4038307

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AP Television

Busan, South Korea - 2 June, 2016

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

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

3. Wide of K7 HEV and K5 PHEV

4. Wide of K5 PHEV on the stage

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

6. Rear side view of K5 PHEV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Mid of Mirai FCV on the stage

18. Wide of Mirai FCV on the stage

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

20. Front three quarters view of Mirai FCV

21. Close of 'FUELCELL' on Mirai FCV

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

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

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

24. Pan from G80 to G80 Sport on the stage

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

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

27. Front three quarters of G80

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

29. Close of the driver's seat of G80

30. Various details inside G80

31. Rear view of G80

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

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

33. Close of Genesis emblem on G80 Sport

34. G80 Sport on the stage

35. Front of G80 Sport

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

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

38. Various of Genesis exhibition hall

39. Mid of Mini Convertible at Mini cooper exhibition hall

40. Wide of Busan motor exhibition hall

LENGTH: 5:05

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Busan, South Korea - 2 June, 2016

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

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

3. Wide of K7 HEV and K5 PHEV

4. Wide of K5 PHEV on the stage

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

6. Rear side view of K5 PHEV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Mid of Mirai FCV on the stage

18. Wide of Mirai FCV on the stage

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

20. Front three quarters view of Mirai FCV

21. Close of 'FUELCELL' on Mirai FCV

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

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

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

24. Pan from G80 to G80 Sport on the stage

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

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

27. Front three quarters of G80

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

29. Close of the driver's seat of G80

30. Various details inside G80

31. Rear view of G80

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

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

33. Close of Genesis emblem on G80 Sport

34. G80 Sport on the stage

35. Front of G80 Sport

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

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

38. Various of Genesis exhibition hall

39. Mid of Mini Convertible at Mini cooper exhibition hall

40. Wide of Busan motor exhibition hall

LENGTH: 5:05

SOUTH KOREA MOTOR SHOW

SOURCE: AP TECHNOLOGY

RESTRICTIONS: TECHNOLOGY CLIENTS ONLY

LENGTH: 5:05

SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Busan, South Korea - 2 June, 2016

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

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

3. Wide of K7 HEV and K5 PHEV

4. Wide of K5 PHEV on the stage

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

6. Rear side view of K5 PHEV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Mid of Mirai FCV on the stage

18. Wide of Mirai FCV on the stage

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

20. Front three quarters view of Mirai FCV

21. Close of 'FUELCELL' on Mirai FCV

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

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

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

24. Pan from G80 to G80 Sport on the stage

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

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

27. Front three quarters of G80

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

29. Close of the driver's seat of G80

30. Various details inside G80

31. Rear view of G80

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

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

33. Close of Genesis emblem on G80 Sport

34. G80 Sport on the stage

35. Front of G80 Sport

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

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

38. Various of Genesis exhibition hall

39. Mid of Mini Convertible at Mini cooper exhibition hall

40. Wide of Busan motor exhibition hall

LEADIN:

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

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

STORYLINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

====

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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

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4058125

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paris, France - 29 September 2016

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

2. Various of Renault Trezor concept car

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

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

4. Various of Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ concept car

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

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

6. Various of Citroen CXperience concept car

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

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

8. Various of Lexus UX concept car

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

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

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

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

12. Various of Toyota FCV Plus concept car

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

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

14. Various of Mitsubishi GT-PHEV concept car

15. Wide of Paris Motor Show floor

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paris, France - 29 September 2016

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

2. Various of Renault Trezor concept car

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

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

4. Various of Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ concept car

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

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

6. Various of Citroen CXperience concept car

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

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

8. Various of Lexus UX concept car

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

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

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

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

12. Various of Toyota FCV Plus concept car

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

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

14. Various of Mitsubishi GT-PHEV concept car

15. Wide of Paris Motor Show floor

SHOTLIST

Llanelli - 24 April, 2008

1. Various of sports car on road

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Tim Bishop, Connaught Motors, Engineering Director

"We're riding in the very first prototype car, so it's a bit noisy and harsh, but this is a supercharged car, which is pretty fast and manages to do about 22 miles to the gallon, and 170 miles per hour, and seat four people."

3. Various of sports car on road

4. Mid of Geoff Matthews getting into sports car

5. Various of Matthews inside car

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Geoff Matthews, Connaught Motors, operations director

"Behind me is the Connaught motor car, which is not yet available to the public, but is rather unique, in that it has a hybrid assist system, which is bolted to the front of a unique V10 engine. In fact the whole car is new from the ground up."

7. Close of petrol cap

8. Close of V10 badge

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Geoff Matthews, Connaught Motors, operations director

"So, you should be able to save, shall we say 15 to 25 per cent fuel and an exact equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions."

10. Zoom into car interior

11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Geoff Matthews, Connaught Motors, operations director

"The car gave birth to the only retrofit hybrid system technology currently available in the world today. So it's a version of this system, and it's fitted to a Transit van."

12. Wide of white Ford Transit van, with Tony Martindale walking towards front of van

13. Mid of Martindale opening front of van

14. Various close of hybrid engine

15. SOUNDBITE: (English) Tony Martindale, Connaught Motors, Chief Operations Director

"The unique thing about the technology we've employed is, as you're aware it was developed on the Connaught Type D, which is a petrol installation. And it's 100 per cent retrofit, so the hybrid system that we employ in the vehicle is less than 50 kilograms, it get bolted to an existing van, so straight off the line, so if you drive a fleet of Transits, we can install in less than a day for you."

16. Various close of hybrid retrofit engine

17. Wide of van

18. Close Transit badge

19. Mid of hybrid logo

20. Close of hybrid logo

London - 30 April, 2008

21. Set up of Dan Strong at desk

22. SOUNDBITE: (English) Dan Strong, Auto Express, motoring editor

"Retrofitting hybrids is a really interesting idea and beneficial on a number of levels. First of all, it allows the technology to be fitted to a wider group of vehicles, than those I mentioned before. Secondly it allows the technology to be developed independent of the car. Developing cars is a very expensive experience for any manufacturer. So to be able to just focus on the hybrid unit, the power train effectively, could offer efficiencies and costs savings."

23. Mid of Strong at desk

25. SOUNDBITE: (English) Dan Strong, Auto Express, motoring editor

"Hybrid cars have been under development for some time now. One company that has had particular success is Toyota. Toyota built the Prius, and under the Lexus badge they also build cars like the LS600H and the GS450H. All three of these cars have had commercial success. They've also proved to be reliable and really have dealt consumers the kind of savings they were hoping to make. Particularly here in central London, where we have the congestion charge, from which hybrids are currently exempt."

26. Various of cars and buses on road

27. Wide of exterior of Toyota car dealership

28. Various of hybrid cars

29. Various of Toyota Prius

30. Close of hybrid badge

31. Close pan of front of car

32. Various close of engine

LEAD IN:

A small Welsh car maker has developed an innovative hybrid engine that may help in reducing harmful carbon emissions.

Initially made for a high performance car, the retrofit hybrid engine can now be fitted to commercial vehicles.

The makers claim the new engine can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 15 to 25 per cent.

STORYLINE:

As big car manufacturers try to woo potential customers with 'greener' cars, one small company has come up with its own way to reduce carbon emissions.

Based in an unassuming Welsh industrial estate, the Connaught Motor Company has developed a new kind of hybrid engine.

Traditionally the company has been known for its high-end, high-performance vehicles.

Its heyday was in 1955, when one of the company's cars won the Sicilian Grand Prix.

However, production stopped in the following decades.

Then in 2002 the company was relaunched by a small team of passionate car lovers.

Since then a series of new prototype vehicles have been developed.

Tim Bishop, the engineering director, says the first prototype is a supercharged vehicle, capable of reaching speeds of 170 miles per hour (273 kilometres per hour).

From this first prototype, they begun developing a hybrid version.

The result was the Connaught Type D, this sporty number comes equipped with a hybrid assist unit, bolted to a V10 engine.

The company claims that the Type D V10 sports coupe will deliver a 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to vehicles in its class, with a hybrid engine capable of taking to the car from 0-60 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds to a top speed of 150mph (241 kilometres per hour).

Priced between 45,000 UK pounds (US$88,800) to 80,000 UK pounds (US$160,000) depending on specifications.

Connaught is pitching the car between a Jaguar and the Aston Martin.

For now the Type D is unavailable to the public, but production should start in 2008.

Matthews says the hybrid engine can reduce total fuel consumption by around 15 to 25 per cent.

This unique hybrid engine has spawned a new line of business for Connaught.

Matthews says development of the sports car led to the first retro-fitted hybrid engine available for commercial vehicles.

Connaught Engineering Ltd has invested12 million pounds (US$24 million) to commission a factory to produce a CO2 emissions-cutting engine component that can be retro-fitted to commercial vans.

The retro-fitted engines can be attached to an ordinary Ford Transit van.

Standing by one of the vans equipped with the retro-fit engine is Tony Martindale, the Chief Operations Director.

He says they can install the lightweight engines to vans in less than a day.

Each retro-fit engine weighs less than 50 kilograms.

The company won a 3.4 million pound (US$6.7 million) grant from the Welsh assembly.

Tesco PLC, Britain's largest grocer, is one of several companies currently testing Connaught's hybrid retro-fit system using the technology on its fleet of home delivery vans.

If successful, Connaught expects orders of around 4,000 units a year.

Dan Strong, motoring editor of Auto Express, says retro-fitting engines is very cost effective, because there is no need to develop new vehicles.

In addition, it means the engines can be fitted to a wider group of vehicles, according to Strong.

Nonetheless, there are a number of car manufacturers that have launched their own hybrid cars.

Strong says Toyota has had some success with its Prius model.

He adds consumers are looking for vehicles which can save them money, especially in central London where hybrid cars are exempt from the congestion charge.

Once a car crosses the congestion charge zone between 7am and 6pm on a weekday, the cost to the private driver is eight pounds (US$15.8) a day.

Car makers are developing new models of 'eco cars', aimed at meeting new targets set by the European Union.

Those targets mean automobile manufacturers will have to cut car emissions by 2012 or face big fines.

The proposal will force automakers to reduce average carbon dioxide emissions from new cars sold in the EU from around 160 grams per kilometre to 130 grams starting in 2012.

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AP CLIENTS ONLY

SHOTLIST:

AP TELEVISION - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Geneva - 1 March 2016

1. Tilt from BMW logo to BMW740Le xDrive

2. "e drive" logo on car over fuel compartment

3. BMW740Le xDrive

4. BMW board member responsible for marketing and sales, Ian Robertson, getting into car

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Ian Robertson, BMW board member responsible for marketing and sales:

"Low oil prices are, I think, a short-term phenomenon. Over time the oil price has gone up, it's come down. At the end of the day, we're looking to the longer term. And the longer term really does have this zero emissions element to it. And the legislation is clear. It's going in one direction, and it's going in one direction for the first time right across the world. So from that perspective, we see zero emissions as an important element within the overall fleet."

6. Volvo S90

7. Electric plug-in

8. Electric charging station

9. Person opening bonnet of car to show engine

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Jim Holder, Editorial Director of automotive magazine 'Autocar':

"I think the main thing about low fuel prices is that it's another reason for people not to buy an electric car. I think it'll put people off rather than stop them in the long run, because I don't think fuel prices will stay low, but definitely it's a disincentive. One of the main reasons for buying an electric car at the moment is to save money and you won't be saving as much money as perhaps you would have done a year ago."

11. Toyota "Auris Hybrid"

12. Pan left from Yaris Hybrid to another Yaris Hybrid

13. Toyota Prius hybrid

14. Badge on rear of car reading (English): "Hybrid"

15. SOUNDBITE (English) Johan Van Zyl, President and CEO for Toyota Motor Europe:

"The fact that hybrid gains popularity despite falling fuel prices shows that customers prefer them not only for their fuel economy, they appreciate the low cost of ownership, and the benefits of electric drive train without any range anxiety."

16. Holder at charging station

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Jim Holder, Editorial Director of automotive magazine 'Autocar':

"Electric works for some drivers, but it's a small niche of drivers, so some of the plug-in hybrids they have a range as small as 20 or 30 miles on electric power. Now obviously if you're commuting into a big city, that could be incredibly useful and it might be enough for a lot of people to do their daily journey. But for a lot it won't be enough. Even fully electric cars, some of them, their range in cold weather can be as low as 60 miles. So there is a real issue around range anxiety still, but I think the car makers are now seeing there could be a quantum leap forward there in the next 12 months and ranges could double as quickly as that. So electric cars are going to appeal to more people as some of those problems are taken away."

18. Various of 'Car of the Year' winner Opel/Vauxhall Astra

19. OPEL Group chairman Karl-Thomas Neumann speaking to journalist

20. SOUNDBITE (English) Karl-Thomas Neumann, OPEL Group chairman:

"All the cars you see here have new engines and we have designed them and built them and invested into them because we want to meet the CO2 requirements, so we reduced the consumption, and we also want to meet and exceed the emission requirements. And so the traditional combustion engines are very important because they are affordable. In the future, though, electric mobility is also very important, that's why we are investing into a new car which will be launched next year which is the Ampera-e,, which I think will be groundbreaking. It has 300 kilometres reach, more than, and it will also be affordable."

21. Rear of Opel/Vauxhall Astra

22. Various of Ford vehicles

STORYLINE:

Car manufacturers at the Geneva Motor Show remain confident buyers will continue purchasing fuel efficient electric and hybrid vehicles despite falling global oil prices.

BMW board member Ian Robertson called the low oil prices a "short-term phenomenon" and said the long-term will include a zero-emissions element internationally.

BMW's commitment comes despite selling less than 30,000 electric vehicles last year, out of record 2.2 million.

Despite the German carmaker's optimism, editorial director of the automotive magazine 'Autocar', Jim Holder, said the low fuel prices could temporarily deter cost-conscious consumers from opting for electric cars.

He said 'range anxiety' as well as cheap fuel prices, could deter some buyers.

But Toyota's Motor Europe President and CEO Johan Van Zyl disagrees.

He said his company's hybrid model's popularity - despite the falling fuel prices - shows a consumer preference.

Electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for only 119,600 of the 13.7 million vehicles sold in the European Union last year, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).

But the numbers are growing rapidly and carmakers say they need to develop alternative technologies to position themselves for the future.

Holder said car makers are saying there could be a "quantum leap forward in the next 12 months and ranges could double as quickly as that."

OPEL Group chairman Karl-Thomas Neumann said his company, which won Car of the Year this year with its Astra model, is planning an electric car release next year that will have a 300 kilometre range.

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LEAD-IN

Iran is playing host to an international car show for the first time in 11 years.

The event in Tehran has drawn manufacturers from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

STORY-LINE

This striking yellow Renault sports car is just one of many on show at the Iran Auto Show at the Shahr Aftab International Exhibition Centre in Tehran.

Some 200 car manufacturers and producers of auto spare parts have come together for the event.

Representatives from South Korea, Japan, China, Turkey, France, Germany, Britain, Spain, Italy and Taiwan are all participating.

French carmaker Renault showcased three electric cars at the show:

"Renault plans to sell the three electric vehicles you see here in coming years if our country makes the necessary structures. It can help reduce air pollution", explains Davood Taghizadeh, Head of Marketing and After Sales Services at Renalut retailer Negin Khodro.

Iran has reduced import duties for hybrid cars to help combat a major issue with air pollution in big cities.

The significant international presence at the show was clearly helped by the landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Sanctions on Tehran were eased in exchange for it limiting its nuclear programme.

Suddenly international car makers started to consider Iran's lucrative car market.

Tehran resident, Morteza Davar says the car industry in Iran has been lacking in competition.

"Very high prices, low quality unfortunately. You have very limited choices, and when you do make a choice you have to accept all the manufacturers' terms. Unlike other countries where the consumer is first, here the manufacturers dictate what they want to customers."

Some local car retailers say they are already seeing the benefits of the easing of sanctions.

"Many doors were opened, and companies engaged with Iran more easily. We are feeling this with the two brands we represent. They trust us more, and our engagement has increased. They visit the country and provide technical training for our staffers. Consignments are being shipped to Iran more easily, we are seeing all of these after the nuclear deal", says Ali Shokoohi, Head of Marketing at Arian group.

Shokoohi says the nuclear deal has enabled his company to offer more competitive prices and attract more customers, as direct engagement with car makers has reduced costs.

However he indicates that Iranians still have trouble completing financial transactions, despite the promise to lift the banking sections.

"In some areas there is still room for progress, for example banking transactions and LCs are not still on the same level they used to be before the sanctions", he says.

Notably absent from the show were American car makers, which Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Commerce Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh says is unlikely to change anytime soon:

"We are not in touch with American car makers and they are not contacting us. Considering the current situation it is unlikely to start a partnership."

American cars were far more common in Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution but are now a rare sight.

However Nematzadeh says Iran is not too concerned about the lack of American car makers at the show:

"Fortunately there are enough car makers around the world, from the east to Europe, and we are working with them. We have recently started cooperating with Japanese, Korean and European car makers to manufacture cars in Iran", he says.

The Iran Auto Show runs until 18 February 2017.

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

1. Renault Sport RS 01 at Iran Auto Show in Tehran

2. Close of Renault logo

3. Tilt-up of car

4. Couple taking selfie

5. Mid of car with visitors taking photos in the background

6. Man taking photo of car

7. Mid of UK flag on car

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

8. Wide of BMW cars

9. Visitors walking around cars

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

10. Close of BMW logo

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

11. Low angle of BMW car

12. Wide of visitors wearing Virtual Reality (VR) headsets

13. Pan of visitors enjoying a VR tour of Renault Koleos driving experience

14. Visitors walking around a car

15. Close of Renault car reading (English) "100% Electric"

16. Man getting into car

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

17. Close of charging socket

18. Pan up from engine of Renault Z.E. electric car

19. Close of interior of car being inspected by two men

20. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Davood Taghizadeh, Head of Marketing and After Sales Services at Negin Khodro (Renault retailer):

"Renault plans to sell the three electric vehicles you see here in coming years if our country makes the necessary structures. It can help reduce air pollution."

21. Pan up of Twizy, Renault's small electric car

22. Man inside car

23. Tilt-down of front of Twizy car

24. Pan left across MG concept electric car

25. Visitors looking at internal parts of car

26. Wide of concept electric car made by MG

27. Man inside car

28. Various of couple talking inside car

29. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Morteza Davar, Tehran resident:

"Very high prices, low quality unfortunately. You have very limited choices, and when you do make a choice you have to accept all the manufacturers' terms. Unlike other countries where the consumer is first, here the manufacturers dictate what they want to customers."

30. Various of women taking selfie in front of a vintage car

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

31. Wide of Mitsubishi cars

32. Close of Mitsubishi Motors logo

33. Wide of Mitsubishi Mirage car

34. Women talking by car

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

35. Wide of row of cars

36. Mid of cars and visitors

37. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Ali Shokoohi, Head of Marketing at Arian group:

"Many doors were opened, and companies engaged with Iran more easily. We are feeling this with the two brands we represent. They trust us more, and our engagement has increased. They visit the country and provide technical training for our staffers. Consignments are being shipped to Iran more easily, we are seeing all of these after the nuclear deal. In some areas there is still room for progress, for example banking transactions and LCs (letters of credit) are not still on the same level they used to be before the sanctions."

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

38. Man looking into Peugeot vehicle

39. Close of Volvo logo

40. Mid of Volvo car

41. Visitors looking at car

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

42. Pan down to front light of car made by DS Automobile

43. Visitors testing out car

44. Visitors gathered around car

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

45. Mid of DS 3 car

46. Close of DS 3 car

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

47. Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Commerce speaking to reporters

48. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Commerce:

"We are not in touch with American car makers and they are not contacting us. Considering the current situation it is unlikely to start a partnership. Fortunately there are enough car makers around the world, from the east to Europe, and we are working with them. We have recently started cooperating with Japanese, Korean and European car makers to manufacture cars in Iran."

49.Wide of car show

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

50. Mid of Optima car by KIA motors

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

51. Woman sitting inside car

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

52. Visitors testing car

53. Mid of Toyota C-HR

54. Close of Toyota logo

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

55. Rear shot of Toyota C-HR

56. Woman taking to men, pan to car light

57. Woman talking to man

58. Rear shot of car

This striking yellow Renault sports car is just one of many on show at the Iran Auto Show at the Shahr Aftab International Exhibition Centre in Tehran.

Some 200 car manufacturers and producers of auto spare parts have come together for the event.

Representatives from South Korea, Japan, China, Turkey, France, Germany, Britain, Spain, Italy and Taiwan are all participating.

French carmaker Renault showcased three electric cars at the show:

"Renault plans to sell the three electric vehicles you see here in coming years if our country makes the necessary structures. It can help reduce air pollution", explains Davood Taghizadeh, Head of Marketing and After Sales Services at Renalut retailer Negin Khodro.

Iran has reduced import duties for hybrid cars to help combat a major issue with air pollution in big cities.

The significant international presence at the show was clearly helped by the landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Sanctions on Tehran were eased in exchange for it limiting its nuclear programme.

Suddenly international car makers started to consider Iran's lucrative car market.

Tehran resident, Morteza Davar says the car industry in Iran has been lacking in competition.

"Very high prices, low quality unfortunately. You have very limited choices, and when you do make a choice you have to accept all the manufacturers' terms. Unlike other countries where the consumer is first, here the manufacturers dictate what they want to customers."

Some local car retailers say they are already seeing the benefits of the easing of sanctions.

"Many doors were opened, and companies engaged with Iran more easily. We are feeling this with the two brands we represent. They trust us more, and our engagement has increased. They visit the country and provide technical training for our staffers. Consignments are being shipped to Iran more easily, we are seeing all of these after the nuclear deal", says Ali Shokoohi, Head of Marketing at Arian group.

Shokoohi says the nuclear deal has enabled his company to offer more competitive prices and attract more customers, as direct engagement with car makers has reduced costs.

However he indicates that Iranians still have trouble completing financial transactions, despite the promise to lift the banking sections.

"In some areas there is still room for progress, for example banking transactions and LCs are not still on the same level they used to be before the sanctions", he says.

Notably absent from the show were American car makers, which Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Commerce Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh says is unlikely to change anytime soon:

"We are not in touch with American car makers and they are not contacting us. Considering the current situation it is unlikely to start a partnership."

American cars were far more common in Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution but are now a rare sight.

However Nematzadeh says Iran is not too concerned about the lack of American car makers at the show:

"Fortunately there are enough car makers around the world, from the east to Europe, and we are working with them. We have recently started cooperating with Japanese, Korean and European car makers to manufacture cars in Iran", he says.

The Iran Auto Show runs until 18 February 2017.

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

1. Renault Sport RS 01 at Iran Auto Show in Tehran

2. Close of Renault logo

3. Tilt-up of car

4. Couple taking selfie

5. Mid of car with visitors taking photos in the background

6. Man taking photo of car

7. Mid of UK flag on car

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

8. Wide of BMW cars

9. Visitors walking around cars

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

10. Close of BMW logo

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

11. Low angle of BMW car

12. Wide of visitors wearing Virtual Reality (VR) headsets

13. Pan of visitors enjoying a VR tour of Renault Koleos driving experience

14. Visitors walking around a car

15. Close of Renault car reading (English) "100% Electric"

16. Man getting into car

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

17. Close of charging socket

18. Pan up from engine of Renault Z.E. electric car

19. Close of interior of car being inspected by two men

20. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Davood Taghizadeh, Head of Marketing and After Sales Services at Negin Khodro (Renault retailer):

"Renault plans to sell the three electric vehicles you see here in coming years if our country makes the necessary structures. It can help reduce air pollution."

21. Pan up of Twizy, Renault's small electric car

22. Man inside car

23. Tilt-down of front of Twizy car

24. Pan left across MG concept electric car

25. Visitors looking at internal parts of car

26. Wide of concept electric car made by MG

27. Man inside car

28. Various of couple talking inside car

29. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Morteza Davar, Tehran resident:

"Very high prices, low quality unfortunately. You have very limited choices, and when you do make a choice you have to accept all the manufacturers' terms. Unlike other countries where the consumer is first, here the manufacturers dictate what they want to customers."

30. Various of women taking selfie in front of a vintage car

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

31. Wide of Mitsubishi cars

32. Close of Mitsubishi Motors logo

33. Wide of Mitsubishi Mirage car

34. Women talking by car

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

35. Wide of row of cars

36. Mid of cars and visitors

37. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Ali Shokoohi, Head of Marketing at Arian group:

"Many doors were opened, and companies engaged with Iran more easily. We are feeling this with the two brands we represent. They trust us more, and our engagement has increased. They visit the country and provide technical training for our staffers. Consignments are being shipped to Iran more easily, we are seeing all of these after the nuclear deal. In some areas there is still room for progress, for example banking transactions and LCs (letters of credit) are not still on the same level they used to be before the sanctions."

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

38. Man looking into Peugeot vehicle

39. Close of Volvo logo

40. Mid of Volvo car

41. Visitors looking at car

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

42. Pan down to front light of car made by DS Automobile

43. Visitors testing out car

44. Visitors gathered around car

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

45. Mid of DS 3 car

46. Close of DS 3 car

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

47. Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Commerce speaking to reporters

48. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Commerce:

"We are not in touch with American car makers and they are not contacting us. Considering the current situation it is unlikely to start a partnership. Fortunately there are enough car makers around the world, from the east to Europe, and we are working with them. We have recently started cooperating with Japanese, Korean and European car makers to manufacture cars in Iran."

49.Wide of car show

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

50. Mid of Optima car by KIA motors

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

51. Woman sitting inside car

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

52. Visitors testing car

53. Mid of Toyota C-HR

54. Close of Toyota logo

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

55. Rear shot of Toyota C-HR

56. Woman taking to men, pan to car light

57. Woman talking to man

58. Rear shot of car

LEAD-IN

Iran is playing host to an international car show for the first time in 11 years.

The event in Tehran has drawn manufacturers from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

STORY-LINE

This striking yellow Renault sports car is just one of many on show at the Iran Auto Show at the Shahr Aftab International Exhibition Centre in Tehran.

Some 200 car manufacturers and producers of auto spare parts have come together for the event.

Representatives from South Korea, Japan, China, Turkey, France, Germany, Britain, Spain, Italy and Taiwan are all participating.

French carmaker Renault showcased three electric cars at the show:

"Renault plans to sell the three electric vehicles you see here in coming years if our country makes the necessary structures. It can help reduce air pollution", explains Davood Taghizadeh, Head of Marketing and After Sales Services at Renalut retailer Negin Khodro.

Iran has reduced import duties for hybrid cars to help combat a major issue with air pollution in big cities.

The significant international presence at the show was clearly helped by the landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Sanctions on Tehran were eased in exchange for it limiting its nuclear programme.

Suddenly international car makers started to consider Iran's lucrative car market.

Tehran resident, Morteza Davar says the car industry in Iran has been lacking in competition.

"Very high prices, low quality unfortunately. You have very limited choices, and when you do make a choice you have to accept all the manufacturers' terms. Unlike other countries where the consumer is first, here the manufacturers dictate what they want to customers."

Some local car retailers say they are already seeing the benefits of the easing of sanctions.

"Many doors were opened, and companies engaged with Iran more easily. We are feeling this with the two brands we represent. They trust us more, and our engagement has increased. They visit the country and provide technical training for our staffers. Consignments are being shipped to Iran more easily, we are seeing all of these after the nuclear deal", says Ali Shokoohi, Head of Marketing at Arian group.

Shokoohi says the nuclear deal has enabled his company to offer more competitive prices and attract more customers, as direct engagement with car makers has reduced costs.

However he indicates that Iranians still have trouble completing financial transactions, despite the promise to lift the banking sections.

"In some areas there is still room for progress, for example banking transactions and LCs are not still on the same level they used to be before the sanctions", he says.

Notably absent from the show were American car makers, which Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Commerce Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh says is unlikely to change anytime soon:

"We are not in touch with American car makers and they are not contacting us. Considering the current situation it is unlikely to start a partnership."

American cars were far more common in Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution but are now a rare sight.

However Nematzadeh says Iran is not too concerned about the lack of American car makers at the show:

"Fortunately there are enough car makers around the world, from the east to Europe, and we are working with them. We have recently started cooperating with Japanese, Korean and European car makers to manufacture cars in Iran", he says.

The Iran Auto Show runs until 18 February 2017.

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

1. Renault Sport RS 01 at Iran Auto Show in Tehran

2. Close of Renault logo

3. Tilt-up of car

4. Couple taking selfie

5. Mid of car with visitors taking photos in the background

6. Man taking photo of car

7. Mid of UK flag on car

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

8. Wide of BMW cars

9. Visitors walking around cars

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

10. Close of BMW logo

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

11. Low angle of BMW car

12. Wide of visitors wearing Virtual Reality (VR) headsets

13. Pan of visitors enjoying a VR tour of Renault Koleos driving experience

14. Visitors walking around a car

15. Close of Renault car reading (English) "100% Electric"

16. Man getting into car

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

17. Close of charging socket

18. Pan up from engine of Renault Z.E. electric car

19. Close of interior of car being inspected by two men

20. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Davood Taghizadeh, Head of Marketing and After Sales Services at Negin Khodro (Renault retailer):

"Renault plans to sell the three electric vehicles you see here in coming years if our country makes the necessary structures. It can help reduce air pollution."

21. Pan up of Twizy, Renault's small electric car

22. Man inside car

23. Tilt-down of front of Twizy car

24. Pan left across MG concept electric car

25. Visitors looking at internal parts of car

26. Wide of concept electric car made by MG

27. Man inside car

28. Various of couple talking inside car

29. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Morteza Davar, Tehran resident:

"Very high prices, low quality unfortunately. You have very limited choices, and when you do make a choice you have to accept all the manufacturers' terms. Unlike other countries where the consumer is first, here the manufacturers dictate what they want to customers."

30. Various of women taking selfie in front of a vintage car

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

31. Wide of Mitsubishi cars

32. Close of Mitsubishi Motors logo

33. Wide of Mitsubishi Mirage car

34. Women talking by car

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

35. Wide of row of cars

36. Mid of cars and visitors

37. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Ali Shokoohi, Head of Marketing at Arian group:

"Many doors were opened, and companies engaged with Iran more easily. We are feeling this with the two brands we represent. They trust us more, and our engagement has increased. They visit the country and provide technical training for our staffers. Consignments are being shipped to Iran more easily, we are seeing all of these after the nuclear deal. In some areas there is still room for progress, for example banking transactions and LCs (letters of credit) are not still on the same level they used to be before the sanctions."

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

38. Man looking into Peugeot vehicle

39. Close of Volvo logo

40. Mid of Volvo car

41. Visitors looking at car

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

42. Pan down to front light of car made by DS Automobile

43. Visitors testing out car

44. Visitors gathered around car

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

45. Mid of DS 3 car

46. Close of DS 3 car

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

47. Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Commerce speaking to reporters

48. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Commerce:

"We are not in touch with American car makers and they are not contacting us. Considering the current situation it is unlikely to start a partnership. Fortunately there are enough car makers around the world, from the east to Europe, and we are working with them. We have recently started cooperating with Japanese, Korean and European car makers to manufacture cars in Iran."

49.Wide of car show

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

50. Mid of Optima car by KIA motors

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

51. Woman sitting inside car

Tehran, Iran - 14 February 2017

52. Visitors testing car

53. Mid of Toyota C-HR

54. Close of Toyota logo

Tehran, Iran - 16 February 2017

55. Rear shot of Toyota C-HR

56. Woman taking to men, pan to car light

57. Woman talking to man

58. Rear shot of car

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4004137

A greater number of zero-emission vehicles are on display at this year's Frankfurt International Motor Show than in previous years.

Established manufacturers including Nissan, Toyota and BMW are showing off their environmentally-friendly models alongside start-ups like Taiwanese firm Thunder Power.

Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault Nissan, told The Associated Press that the technology in the transportation sector was ready to face the challenge of climate change.

The mood at the show has been buoyed by a 23-month streak of rising sales in Europe, coming off a terrible slump during the 2009 recession and the subsequent debt crisis among countries that use the euro currency.

European Union sales rose 8.2 percent in the first half of this year.

US sales are on pace to exceed 17 million vehicles for the first time since 2001.

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4004137

A greater number of zero-emission vehicles are on display at this year's Frankfurt International Motor Show than in previous years.

Established manufacturers including Nissan, Toyota and BMW are showing off their environmentally-friendly models alongside start-ups like Taiwanese firm Thunder Power.

Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault Nissan, told The Associated Press that the technology in the transportation sector was ready to face the challenge of climate change.

The mood at the show has been buoyed by a 23-month streak of rising sales in Europe, coming off a terrible slump during the 2009 recession and the subsequent debt crisis among countries that use the euro currency.

European Union sales rose 8.2 percent in the first half of this year.

US sales are on pace to exceed 17 million vehicles for the first time since 2001.

AP TELEVISION

Frankfurt - 15 September 2015

1. Various of Frankfurt International Motor Show floor

2. Various of Nissan Leaf electric car and its charger

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Carlos Ghosn, Renault-Nissan CEO:

"You know, the technology in order to face the challenge of climate change is ready. We have zero emission cars, we have very low emission technologies, we have everything which is needed to transform the transportation sector. Now, this being said, at the end of the day, the choice is for the consumers, to make these choices. For this, the consumer needs to be supported by the public sector."

4. Close up of inscription reading (English) 'Zero emission' on Nissan Leaf electric car

5 . SOUNDBITE (English) Carlos Ghosn, Renault-Nissan CEO:

"I am absolutely not worried on the fact that the electric cars are going to get cheaper, the autonomy is going to get better. But anyway, nothing replaces the fact that (the) infrastructure needs to be adapted for these kinds of technologies."

6. Various of vehicle manufactured by Taiwanese start-up Thunder Power

AP TELEVISION

Frankfurt - 14 September 2015

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Kevin Hamlin, Senior Analyst at IHS Automotive:

"I think that there's other OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) that could enter into the picture (of electric car producers) that would maybe speed-up the process (of greater selling of electric cars)."

AP TELEVISION

Frankfurt - 15 September 2015

8. Various of BMW I8 hybrid car

AP TELEVISION

Frankfurt - 14 September 2015

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Kevin Hamlin, Senior Analyst at IHS Automotive :

"I think in the US, the government is trying to push for kind of the lower emissions, so we have the push from the government. The populace again looks to price, because that is their major concern, so it depends on the price of the electric vehicle versus the cost of, you know, gasoline, or fuel. When you look at markets like China, electric vehicles are prevalent there, there are some on the market, there is companies, brands there that are pushing for electric vehicles."

AP TELEVISION

Frankfurt - 15 September 2015

10. Various of Toyota Mirai, hydrogen-fuelled sedan