LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toyota's new GR Supra runs on traditional petrol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amsterdam, Netherlands - 14 January 2020

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

2. Various of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

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

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

4. Mid of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

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

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

7. Wide of new Toyota Mirai

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

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

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

11. Close of Lexus LF-30 interior

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

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

13. Wide of Lexus LF-30 electric concept car

14. Various of Lexus UX300e electric car

15. Various of new Toyota GR Supra

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

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

17. Close of new Toyota GR Supra interior

18. Mid of new Toyota GR Supra

19. Wide of Toyota presentation, announcement of Kinto brand

20. Close of Kinto logo onscreen

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

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

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

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

24. Various of Toyota LQ concept car

25. Various of Toyota personal mobility technology

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toyota's new GR Supra runs on traditional petrol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amsterdam, Netherlands - 14 January 2020

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

2. Various of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

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

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

4. Mid of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

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

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

7. Wide of new Toyota Mirai

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

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

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

11. Close of Lexus LF-30 interior

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

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

13. Wide of Lexus LF-30 electric concept car

14. Various of Lexus UX300e electric car

15. Various of new Toyota GR Supra

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

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

17. Close of new Toyota GR Supra interior

18. Mid of new Toyota GR Supra

19. Wide of Toyota presentation, announcement of Kinto brand

20. Close of Kinto logo onscreen

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

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

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

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

24. Various of Toyota LQ concept car

25. Various of Toyota personal mobility technology

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toyota's new GR Supra runs on traditional petrol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amsterdam, Netherlands - 14 January 2020

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

2. Various of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

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

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

4. Mid of new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car

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

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

7. Wide of new Toyota Mirai

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

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

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

11. Close of Lexus LF-30 interior

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

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

13. Wide of Lexus LF-30 electric concept car

14. Various of Lexus UX300e electric car

15. Various of new Toyota GR Supra

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

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

17. Close of new Toyota GR Supra interior

18. Mid of new Toyota GR Supra

19. Wide of Toyota presentation, announcement of Kinto brand

20. Close of Kinto logo onscreen

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

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

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

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

24. Various of Toyota LQ concept car

25. Various of Toyota personal mobility technology

LEAD IN

Toyota has unveiled its latest flagship Avalon vehicle at the Detroit motor show.

It's packed with technology, including Apple CarPlay and Alexa voice controls to appeal to younger buyers.

STORY-LINE

Toyota has taken the wraps off its revamped Avalon, which features a longer, lower and wider exterior and a rear cabin extends another 7 inches (17.8 centimeters), yet overall height measurements have been trimmed by about an inch (2.5 centimeters).

The automaker boasts of a "neater" steering wheel, with a smaller switch cluster, enlarged hand grips and cruise control now accessible on the right spoke.

The 2019 Toyota Avalon will be available in four trim packages including the XSE, Touring, XLE and Limited.

The car has two new powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system.

Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America says it also comes packed with technology.

"And Avalon wows guests also with the full spectrum of Toyota technology . So here's a few a 7 inch multi-informational display shows information like turn by turn navigation. A 10 inch head-up display - the biggest in the segment - provides info like engine speed and directions and audio settings. There's QI wireless charging, a WiFi hotspot, 5 USB outlets and a mobile device holder. We're happy to say that Entune 3.0 and a JBL audio experience are available on every single grade. And a nother Toyota first. Now are you ready? Apple car play is finally standard."

The Avalon also comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite of safety systems, according Hollis.

"Now while it's more efficient, stylish and athletic, Avalon is also stuffed with the latest in safety technology. Toyota safety sensors are standard across the entire line up and represents one step closer to achieving Toyota's goal of zero casualties from traffic accidents," he says.

The new Avalon also can connect with a smart watch or Amazon Alexa-enabled device.

"Through touch or voice commands, a guest can lock or unlock their doors, or start their engine or even go check their fuel levels securely and safely. And on top of that, we are among the first to actually implement Alexa connectivity with the skills needed to execute from home to car and car to home commands. This is just another example of how we're allowing our guests to better thrive and participate in the ever changing world of connective technology," says Hollis.

The Michigan-designed Avalon will arrive in showrooms in late spring.

1. Video presentation of new Toyota Avalon and vehicles driving on stage

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"The 2019 Avalon is the premiere Toyota flagship. It represents a clear progressive dialogue between our American design, engineering and manufacturing experts. And to that end, whether it's inside or out, Avalon has a long list of Toyota firsts."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"So as you can see the Avalon - it's longer, it's wider, it's lower, its wheelbase is extended, and its overhangs are shorter. Yep, it's sleek and sophisticated. It's technical beauty."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"And Avalon wows guests also with the full spectrum of Toyota technology . So here's a few: a 7 inch multi-informational display shows information like turn by turn navigation. A 10 inch head-up display - the biggest in the segment - provides info like engine speed and directions and audio settings. There's QI wireless charging, a WiFi hotspot, 5 USB outlets and a mobile device holder. We're happy to say that Entune 3.0 and a JBL audio experience are available on every single grade. And another Toyota first. Now are you ready? Apple CarPlay is finally standard."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"Now while it's more efficient, stylish and athletic, Avalon is also stuffed with the latest in safety technology. Toyota safety sensors are standard across the entire line up and represents one step closer to achieving Toyota's goal of zero casualties from traffic accidents."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"Through touch or voice commands, a guest can lock or unlock their doors, or start their engine or even check their fuel levels securely and safely. And on top of that, we are among the first to actually implement Alexa connectivity with the skills needed to execute from a home to car and car to home commands. This is just another example of how we're allowing our guests to better thrive and participate in the ever changing world of connective technology."

7. End of presentation on stage

LEADIN

Toyota has unveiled its latest flagship Avalon vehicle at the Detroit motor show.

It's packed with technology, including Apple CarPlay and Alexa voice controls to appeal to younger buyers.

STORYLINE

Toyota has taken the wraps off its revamped Avalon, which features a longer, lower and wider exterior and a rear cabin extends another 7 inches (17.8 centimeters), yet overall height measurements have been trimmed by about an inch (2.5 centimeters).

The automaker boasts of a "neater" steering wheel, with a smaller switch cluster, enlarged hand grips and cruise control now accessible on the right spoke.

The 2019 Toyota Avalon will be available in four trim packages including the XSE, Touring, XLE and Limited.

The car has two new powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system.

Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America says it also comes packed with technology.

"And Avalon wows guests also with the full spectrum of Toyota technology . So here's a few a 7 inch multi-informational display shows information like turn by turn navigation. A 10 inch head-up display - the biggest in the segment - provides info like engine speed and directions and audio settings. There's QI wireless charging, a WiFi hotspot, 5 USB outlets and a mobile device holder. We're happy to say that Entune 3.0 and a JBL audio experience are available on every single grade. And a nother Toyota first. Now are you ready? Apple car play is finally standard."

The Avalon also comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite of safety systems, according Hollis.

"Now while it's more efficient, stylish and athletic, Avalon is also stuffed with the latest in safety technology. Toyota safety sensors are standard across the entire line up and represents one step closer to achieving Toyota's goal of zero casualties from traffic accidents," he says.

The new Avalon also can connect with a smart watch or Amazon Alexa-enabled device.

"Through touch or voice commands, a guest can lock or unlock their doors, or start their engine or even go check their fuel levels securely and safely. And on top of that, we are among the first to actually implement Alexa connectivity with the skills needed to execute from home to car and car to home commands. This is just another example of how we're allowing our guests to better thrive and participate in the ever changing world of connective technology," says Hollis.

The Michigan-designed Avalon will arrive in showrooms in late spring.

1. Video presentation of new Toyota Avalon and vehicles driving on stage

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"The 2019 Avalon is the premiere Toyota flagship. It represents a clear progressive dialogue between our American design, engineering and manufacturing experts. And to that end, whether it's inside or out, Avalon has a long list of Toyota firsts."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"So as you can see the Avalon - it's longer, it's wider, it's lower, its wheelbase is extended, and its overhangs are shorter. Yep, it's sleek and sophisticated. It's technical beauty."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"And Avalon wows guests also with the full spectrum of Toyota technology . So here's a few: a 7 inch multi-informational display shows information like turn by turn navigation. A 10 inch head-up display - the biggest in the segment - provides info like engine speed and directions and audio settings. There's QI wireless charging, a WiFi hotspot, 5 USB outlets and a mobile device holder. We're happy to say that Entune 3.0 and a JBL audio experience are available on every single grade. And another Toyota first. Now are you ready? Apple CarPlay is finally standard."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"Now while it's more efficient, stylish and athletic, Avalon is also stuffed with the latest in safety technology. Toyota safety sensors are standard across the entire line up and represents one step closer to achieving Toyota's goal of zero casualties from traffic accidents."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"Through touch or voice commands, a guest can lock or unlock their doors, or start their engine or even check their fuel levels securely and safely. And on top of that, we are among the first to actually implement Alexa connectivity with the skills needed to execute from a home to car and car to home commands. This is just another example of how we're allowing our guests to better thrive and participate in the ever changing world of connective technology."

7. End of presentation on stage

LEADIN

Toyota has unveiled its latest flagship Avalon vehicle at the Detroit motor show.

It's packed with technology, including Apple CarPlay and Alexa voice controls to appeal to younger buyers.

STORYLINE

Toyota has taken the wraps off its revamped Avalon, which features a longer, lower and wider exterior and a rear cabin extends another 7 inches (17.8 centimeters), yet overall height measurements have been trimmed by about an inch (2.5 centimeters).

The automaker boasts of a "neater" steering wheel, with a smaller switch cluster, enlarged hand grips and cruise control now accessible on the right spoke.

The 2019 Toyota Avalon will be available in four trim packages including the XSE, Touring, XLE and Limited.

The car has two new powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system.

Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America says it also comes packed with technology.

"And Avalon wows guests also with the full spectrum of Toyota technology . So here's a few a 7 inch multi-informational display shows information like turn by turn navigation. A 10 inch head-up display - the biggest in the segment - provides info like engine speed and directions and audio settings. There's QI wireless charging, a WiFi hotspot, 5 USB outlets and a mobile device holder. We're happy to say that Entune 3.0 and a JBL audio experience are available on every single grade. And a nother Toyota first. Now are you ready? Apple car play is finally standard."

The Avalon also comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite of safety systems, according Hollis.

"Now while it's more efficient, stylish and athletic, Avalon is also stuffed with the latest in safety technology. Toyota safety sensors are standard across the entire line up and represents one step closer to achieving Toyota's goal of zero casualties from traffic accidents," he says.

The new Avalon also can connect with a smart watch or Amazon Alexa-enabled device.

"Through touch or voice commands, a guest can lock or unlock their doors, or start their engine or even go check their fuel levels securely and safely. And on top of that, we are among the first to actually implement Alexa connectivity with the skills needed to execute from home to car and car to home commands. This is just another example of how we're allowing our guests to better thrive and participate in the ever changing world of connective technology," says Hollis.

The Michigan-designed Avalon will arrive in showrooms in late spring.

1. Video presentation of new Toyota Avalon and vehicles driving on stage

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"The 2019 Avalon is the premiere Toyota flagship. It represents a clear progressive dialogue between our American design, engineering and manufacturing experts. And to that end, whether it's inside or out, Avalon has a long list of Toyota firsts."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"So as you can see the Avalon - it's longer, it's wider, it's lower, its wheelbase is extended, and its overhangs are shorter. Yep, it's sleek and sophisticated. It's technical beauty."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"And Avalon wows guests also with the full spectrum of Toyota technology . So here's a few: a 7 inch multi-informational display shows information like turn by turn navigation. A 10 inch head-up display - the biggest in the segment - provides info like engine speed and directions and audio settings. There's QI wireless charging, a WiFi hotspot, 5 USB outlets and a mobile device holder. We're happy to say that Entune 3.0 and a JBL audio experience are available on every single grade. And another Toyota first. Now are you ready? Apple CarPlay is finally standard."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"Now while it's more efficient, stylish and athletic, Avalon is also stuffed with the latest in safety technology. Toyota safety sensors are standard across the entire line up and represents one step closer to achieving Toyota's goal of zero casualties from traffic accidents."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of Toyota North America:

"Through touch or voice commands, a guest can lock or unlock their doors, or start their engine or even check their fuel levels securely and safely. And on top of that, we are among the first to actually implement Alexa connectivity with the skills needed to execute from a home to car and car to home commands. This is just another example of how we're allowing our guests to better thrive and participate in the ever changing world of connective technology."

7. End of presentation on stage

LEADIN:

Car maker Toyota's announced it's teaming up with giant online retailer Amazon, restaurant chain Pizza Hut and the taxi services Uber and DiDi to create a new market place with no dividing line separating our lives from online commerce.

The company says it's a game changer turning it from a car manufacturer, to an all-encompassing mobility experience.

STORYLINE:

This is the new e-Palette, which Toyota hopes will transform the way we live and work in a future where fewer people are actually driving cars.

It's a series of modular vehicles which can be anything from a workplace, to a retail outlet to a shared ride.

According to Toyota, the e-Palette's open interior design layout means it can be outfitted with purpose-built interiors in accordance with the user's needs, whether it be for parcel delivery, ride sharing, or on-the-road e-commerce.

Toyota unveiled it's vision of a new age of automation at the Consumer Electronics Show.

The corporation's President Akio Toyoda explains the concept:

"We want the car to be a seamless extension of your phone and computers, a kind of personal assistant on wheels able to anticipate your needs through predictive artificial intelligence. A new mobility service platform is also the engine behind our car sharing test market in Hawaii and San Francisco. In the future much of mobility on demand, or mobility as a service will be powered by autonomy, which in turn is supported by vehicle electrification. Today I am pleased to announce that some of the initial members of our e-Palette alliance includes Amazon, DiDi, Pizza Hut and Uber, Mazda will also be a partner for e-Palette supporting our electrification plans. We want to thank each of these companies for joining us on a new mobility journey."

The company is also teaming up with the car company Mazda who will be a partner in the e-Palette alliance.

Toyoda is keen to dispel any lingering doubts about whether the furture of cars is electric: "Today Toyota offers 37 electrified vehicle models in over 90 countries. By the early 2020s, we'll have more than ten battery electric vehicles available worldwide."

Toyoda revealed he'd learned to drive at the mature age of 51 so that he could understand car design better.

Joking with his audience, he quipped electrification was the only topic of interest around the world apart from the wedding of Prince Harry this year.

He says: "Now I realise that battery electric, or all electric vehicles are what everybody's talking about these days, that and Prince Harry's engagement (audience laughs), but what's not often mentioned today is that less than one per cent of all vehicles sold in the US are battery electric, so there's "

This last comment from a company which has spearheaded the use of electric vehicles for everyday use, is an important prod to the US market.

At the end of the presentation, it was time for a selfie:"Now before I go, I don't often get to hang out with a group such as yourselves. So I'm wondering if it will be okay taking a selfie with you, is that okay? "

The audience at CES clearly approves.

Toyota plans to conduct feasibility testing of the e-Palette Concept in various regions, including the US in the early 2020s.

It also hopes to be the mobility solution of choice at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.

CES, Las Vegas, US - 8 January 2017

1. Various of the new Toyota e-Palette

2. Wide zoom out of the live Toyota show at CES showing screen animations of how the e-Palette will be used

3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Akio Toyoda, President, Toyota Motor Corporation

"We want the car to be a seamless extension of your phone and computers, a kind of personal assistant on wheels able to anticipate your needs through predictive artificial intelligence. Our new mobility service platform is also the engine behind our car sharing test market in Hawaii and San Francisco. In the future much of mobility on demand, or mobility as a service will be powered by autonomy, which in turn is supported by vehicle electrification. Today, I am pleased to announce that some of the initial members of our e-Palette alliance includes Amazon, DiDi, Pizza Hut and Uber, Mazda will also be a partner for e-Palette supporting our electrification plans. We want to thank each of these companies for joining us on a new mobility journey."

4. Wide of screens at live Toyota show demonstrating how e-Palette will act as a mobile shop and showroom

5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Akio Toyoda, President, Toyota Motor Corporation

"Today Toyota offers 37 electrified vehicle models in over 90 countries. By the early 2020s, we'll have more than ten battery electric vehicles available worldwide."

6. Various of screens at live showing animations demonstrating how our transport can become our workspace, retail space and creating on demand cities

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Akio Toyoda, President, Toyota Motor Corporation

"Now I realise that battery electric, or all electric vehicles are what everybody's talking about these days, that and Prince Harry's engagement (audience laughs), but what's not often mentioned is that today is that less than one per cent of all vehicles sold in the US are battery electric."

8. Wide of screens at Toyota's live showing how easily adaptable the e-Palette is

9. UPSOUND: (English) Akio Toyoda, President, Toyota Motor Corporation ++Zoom out of Toyoda as he begins to take selfies of himself and the audience++

"Now before I go, I don't often get to hang out with a group such as yourselves. So I'm wondering if it will be okay taking a selfie with you (laughter) is that okay? (applause)."

10. Zoom out of the Toyota team at the end of the show

LEADIN:

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

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

STORYLINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

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

2. Close of workers fixing the tank

Tokyo, Japan – 18 November 2014

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

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

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

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

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

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

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

8. Wide of hydrogen tank being towed inside the plant

9. Mid of hydrogen tank being filled

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

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

Tokyo, Japan – 25 October 2017

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

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

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

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

13. Assembly line worker

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

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

Tokyo, Japan – 14 November 2017

15. Various of Mirai being filled up at Hydrogen station

LEADIN:

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

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

STORYLINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

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

2. Close of workers fixing the tank

Y

Tokyo, Japan – 18 November 2014

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

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

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

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

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

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

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

8. Wide of hydrogen tank being towed inside the plant

9. Mid of hydrogen tank being filled

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

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

Tokyo, Japan – 25 October 2017

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

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

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

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

13. Assembly line worker

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

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

Tokyo, Japan – 14 November 2017

15. Various of Mirai being filled up at Hydrogen station

LEADIN:

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

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

STORYLINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

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

2. Close of workers fixing the tank

Y

Tokyo, Japan – 18 November 2014

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

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

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

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

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

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

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

8. Wide of hydrogen tank being towed inside the plant

9. Mid of hydrogen tank being filled

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

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

Tokyo, Japan – 25 October 2017

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

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

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

Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – 30 October 2017

13. Assembly line worker

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

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

Tokyo, Japan – 14 November 2017

15. Various of Mirai being filled up at Hydrogen station

Toyota Motor Corp. and Panasonic Corp. announced on Wednesday that they will begin talks to jointly develop batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).

The two Japanese companies have a long history of cooperation in producing batteries for hybrid vehicles, an area Toyota has been focusing on.

The Japanese auto giant currently has no EVs in its lineup, however.

Toyota has been leading eco-friendly cars since it launched the Prius, the world's first mass production hybrid vehicle, in 1997, followed by the Mirai fuel cell vehicle in 2014.

Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda, who took part in a news conference with Panasonic Corporation President Kazuhiro Tsuga in Tokyo, said the speed of change in the car industry was so fast, the company needed to engage with others such as Panasonic with their battery expertise so Japanese companies can be leaders in the EV industry.

Panasonic has been a leading maker in automotive lithium-ion batteries applied by automakers worldwide.

Panasonic's Tsuga meanwhile said his company hopes by working with Toyota it can advance improvements in its battery capability as well as possibly aim at developing the next generation of batteries.

Tokyo – 13 December 2017

1. Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda (screen-left) and Panasonic Corporation President Kazuhiro Tsuga at news conference

2. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation:

"The teaming up of the two companies in order to realise a richer and more fun mobile society than now will be a crystalisation of two Japanese companies that intend to lead this electric vehicle era."

3. Wide of news conference

4. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Kazuhiro Tsuga, President of Panasonic Corporation:

I think it (the battery) is a key factor for a wider use of EV (Electric Vehicles) and to realise a sustainable society as well as being an important business for us, Panasonic. In this context, we will further advance measurements to develop and produce (car batteries) by strengthening our cooperation with the car makers."

5. Various of Toyoda and Tsuga shaking hands and posing for the cameras

6. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation:

"EV is a vehicle that carries a heavy and expensive battery. That's what people think. If we continue to do what we are doing now, we cannot change this situation so we need to work with our alliance companies such as Panasonic to seek for 'better' production."

FILE: Tokyo – 25 October 2017

7. Various of Concept-i (EV Car) at the Tokyo Motor Show 2017

8. Various of Fine-Comfort Ride (Fuel Cell Car) at the Tokyo Motor Show 2017

Japan's No. 1 automaker Toyota Motor and technology giant SoftBank Group are setting up a joint venture to create mobility services in what they called a "united Japan" effort to face global competition.

The 2 billion yen (20 million US dollars) venture, Monet Technologies Corp. is meant to be running by the end of March.

It will work on on-demand vehicle services, food deliveries, data analysis and hospital shuttles with onboard medical exams, the companies said Thursday in a news conference at a Tokyo hotel.

The energy and telecoms company's past tie-ups have tended to be with overseas startups.

But Softbank has also invested in leading car-sharing companies like Uber, Didi and Grab, and has acquired Arm, a leader in the Internet of Things, or IoT.

Toyoda stressed the auto industry was changing in an era of connected cars, autonomous driving, car-sharing and electric vehicles.

SoftBank Chairman Masayoshi Son said he was thrilled to be partnering with a top automaker on mobility and artificial intelligence, his company's expertise.

The joint venture's services will roll out in Japan first, but a global expansion is in the works, the companies said. It's 50.25 percent owned by SoftBank, 49.75 percent by Toyota.

Toyota is developing autonomous vehicles in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Monet plans to roll out a business featuring autonomous vehicle services by the second half of 2020, they said.

Automakers around the world are forming tie-ups in the race to develop the next-generation of transportation, such as self-driving cars.

4 October 2018 – Tokyo, Japan

1. Wide of Masayoshi Son, Chairman, Softbank, walking onto stage

2. Wide of joint press conference

3. Mid of Son talking

4. Wide of audience

5. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Masayoshi Son, Chairman, Softbank:

"Toyota is number one in the world in area of mobility and Softbank is putting more emphasis on AI (artificial intelligence). This partnership between the two companies will give birth to a new era of mobility, something that hasn't been seen yet and I have a feeling that mobility will evolve."

6. Wide of Son talking

7. Close of people taking photos

8. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Masayoshi Son, Chairman, Softbank:

"This time, we partnered with Toyota and I think that the Monet's service will be carried out while utilizing technology that Toyota will develop for autonomous driving."

9. Wide of Akio Toyoda, Chief Executive, Toyota, walking onto stage and shaking hands with Son

10. Mid of people taking photos

11. Wide of Toyoda talking

12. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Akio Toyoda, Chief Executive, Toyota:

"Softbank is working with many teams trying to create new mobility services and to create a more exciting mobility society. I believe that the cooperation between the two companies will be an alliance to make the future mobility society a reality by incorporating these teams."

13. Wide of Toyoda talking

14. Close of people taking photos

15. Tilt down from logo to photo session of Son (left) and Toyoda (right) in the middle

16. Wide of photo session

17. Close of people taking photos

18. Close of photo session and Son and Toyoda shaking hands

Japanese automaker Toyota and electronics giant Panasonic are forming a joint venture combining their housing businesses in Japan to showcase technologies such as connected cars and the internet of things.

Toyota Motor Corp., which offers housing as well as vehicles in Japan, said the new company will offer homes showcasing those technologies.

Panasonic Corp. said its housing subsidiary will become part of the joint venture.

The companies said Thursday the deal should concluded by January 2020.

Both sides said communities will increasingly want connected cars, autonomous driving, car-sharing and ecological vehicles, and homes offering sustainable energy and gadgetry.

Earlier this year, Toyota and Panasonic announced a joint venture to research, manufacture and sell batteries for ecological autos, an increasingly lucrative sector amid concerns about global warming.

The companies have been studying working together on batteries since 2017.

Tokyo - 9 May 2019

1. Wide of press conference

2. Zoom-out of Masayoshi Shirayanagi, Operating Officer at Toyota Motor Corporation, walking

3. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Masayoshi Shirayanagi, Operating Officer at Toyota Motor Corporation:

"By providing mobility and livelihood technology from Toyota and Panasonic, housing makers and construction companies can promote and create a new kind of town development. That is the goal of establishing this joint venture."

4. Wide of press conference

5. Wide of people

6. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Makoto Kitano, Senior Managing Executive Officer and CEO of Life Solutions Company at Panasonic Corporation:

"We want to highly optimise cutting edge technology to provide safe, comfortable and convenient living. At the same time, we aim to create a town that can be updated daily so residents will be satisfied."

7. Close of people

8. Close pan from Toyota to Panasonic logos

9. Wide of press conference

LEAD IN:

Japan's Toyota Motor Corporation is best known for cars, but at CES in Las Vegas, the company has unveiled an ambitious new venture in urban planning.

Toyota says it will build a futurist new city on land in the shadow of Mount Fuji, and it plans to use the prototype town to test A-I, autonomous vehicles, and new forms of 21st century living.

STORY-LINE:

It's Toyota's vision for the city of the future, and the company says construction will start as soon as next year.

The company is billing the project as the "Woven City", a Hydrogen-powered, hyper connected prototype town that it says will initially house 2,000 people.

At a slick presentation of its plans at the CES in Las Vegas today (6 January 2020), the company said it was already seeking expressions of interest from aspiring residents.

And while Toyota's President and CEO Akio Toyoda admits the proposal is a bit of a departure from the company's bread and butter he says Toyota still very much has the future of cars on its mind.

"Everyone wants to know: when will cars truly drive themselves? When will they know what I'm thinking? When will they fly? And more importantly, when will cars actually transform into giant robot? Now, we might not be working on a Toyota transformer, but we are focussed on the future of connectivity, autonomy, shared mobility, and electrification - or CASE, as we call it," he says.

The "Woven City" would be a "living laboratory" that the company says would serve as a home to full-time residents, as well as researchers.

The city would be fully sustainable, and would be constructed around a a grid-like plan of streets and laneways.

Toyoda says his vision is for a town where commercial and academic researchers could collaborate and experiment.

"Imagine a fully controlled site that would allow researchers, engineers and scientists the opportunity to freely test technologies such as autonomy, mobility as a service, robotics, smart-home connected technology, AI (artificial intelligence), and more, in a real world environment," he says.

Toyota is stressing it's vision is for other companies to also use its new "Woven City" testing site too, which the company says will be built on a 175-acre site it owns at Higashi-Fuji in central Japan.

It's commissioning Danish architect Bjarke Ingels to design the urban form itself.

Ingels says the opportunity to design an entirely new city to test out emerging technologies and to create an enviable living environment is unique.

A key innovation: re-thinking the purpose and layout of city streets.

"So basically today the typical street is a mess, with everything and nothing everywhere," he says.

"So we started by splitting the typical street into three separate forms of mobility. The first type is for faster transportation, and every vehicle is autonomous, with zero emissions, and street trees create the necessary distinction between people and vehicles. The second type will be an urban promenade, shared by pedestrians, and slower personal mobility. And the final type of street will be a linear park, with paths for pedestrians only. So imagine walking from one part of town to the other, moving only through a park."

The "Woven City" will be powered by hydrogen, and buildings will be built mostly of wood to minimise the project's carbon footprint.

Traditional Japanese timber joining techniques will be used in construction.

The rooftops of the city's buildings will be covered in photo-voltaic cells that generate solar power, while underground there'll be a network of tunnels for autonomous vehicles to make deliveries and process waste.

Above ground, there are also some exciting innovations.

"A major piece of the puzzle in the whole city is the "Toyota E-Pallet", an autonomous vehicle that will serve for shared transportation and mobile retail," Ingels says.

"It is also going to make deliveries to the research and development labs, which rise above the central plaza. And the "E-Pallet" will also help create flexible programming in the central plaza, making the plaza the rebirth of the marketplace, the town square, or even the fairground. So in an age when technology, social media and online retail is replacing and eliminating our natural meeting places, the "Woven City" will explore ways to stimulate human interaction in the urban space."

All in all, it's an ambitious plan for a company best known for its cars, as Toyoda readily admits.

"You may be thinking: has this guy lost his mind? Is he like a Japanese version of Willy Wonka? Perhaps. But I truly believe this is a project that can benefit everyone, not just Toyota," he says.

Toyota plans to initially populate its city with its own employees and their families along with retirees, scientists and other collaborating researchers.

The town is envisaged to have an initial population of 2,000, but there's scope for more to move in later.

The "Woven City" plan was unveiled at CES in Las Vegas, a week-long conference that started yesterday (5 January 2020).

After two days of media-only previews, the show floor at CES will open to the public Tuesday through to Friday.

Las Vegas, Nevada, US - 6 January 2020

1. Wide of Toyota's "Woven City" promotional presentation at CES conference

2. Wide of crowds gathering for Toyota presentation

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Akio Toyoda, President and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation:

"Everyone wants to know: when will cars truly drive themselves? When will they know what I'm thinking? When will they fly? And more importantly, when will cars actually transform into giant robot? Now, we might not be working on a Toyota transformer, but we are focussed on the future of connectivity, autonomy, shared mobility, and electrification - or CASE, as we call it."

4. Wide of "Woven City" promotional presentation showing urban layout, a city square, a road with autonomous vehicles and pedestrians, and a futuristic living room

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Akio Toyoda, President and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation:

"Imagine a fully controlled site that would allow researchers, engineers and scientists the opportunity to freely test technologies such as autonomy, mobility as a service, robotics, smart-home connected technology, AI (artificial intelligence), and more, in a real world environment."

6. Wide of Akio Toyoda talking at CES with screen projects behind him

7. Pan out of Toyoda welcoming Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Partner of Bjarke Ingels Group, to stage

8. Wide of Ingels talking on stage with computer projections on screen behind him

9 SOUNDBITE (English) , Founder and Creative Partner, Bjarke Ingels Group:

"So basically today the typical street is a mess, with everything and nothing everywhere. So we started by splitting the typical street into three separate forms of mobility. The first type is for faster transportation, and every vehicle is autonomous, with zero emissions, and street trees create the necessary distinction between people and vehicles. The second type will be an urban promenade, shared by pedestrians, and slower personal mobility. And the final type of street will be a linear park, with paths for pedestrians only. So imagine walking from one part of town to the other, moving only through a park."

10. Wide of Ingels talking on stage with projections of the below-ground infrastructure for the "Woven City" on screen behind him

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Partner, Bjarke Ingels Group:

"A major piece of the puzzle in the whole city is the "Toyota E-Pallet", an autonomous vehicle that will serve for shared transportation and mobile retail. It is also going to make deliveries to the research and development labs, which rise above the central plaza. And the "E-Pallet" will also help create flexible programming in the central plaza, making the plaza the rebirth of the marketplace, the town square, or even the fairground. So in an age when technology, social media and online retail is replacing and eliminating our natural meeting places, the "Woven City" will explore ways to stimulate human interaction in the urban space."

12. Wide of Toyoda on stage with "Woven City" projections on screen behind him

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Akio Toyoda, President and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation:

"You may be thinking: has this guy lost his mind? Is he like a Japanese version of Willy Wonka? Perhaps. But I truly believe this is a project that can benefit everyone, not just Toyota."

14. Pan out of Toyoda bowing on stage and shaking hands with Ingels

15. Close of Toyoda and Ingels shaking hands on stage

16. Pan right of projection of "Woven City" as crowds start to disperse

17. Wide of auditorium with crowds dispersing

LEAD IN:

SUVs are capturing the headlines at this year's New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

Automakers are shoring up gaps in their SUV line-ups and revamping models that are already popular in the hottest-selling segment of the U.S. market.

STORY-LINE:

SUVs hit a record 43 percent of U.S. sales last year at just over 7.3 million, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Leading the way is Toyota with an all-new RAV4 compact SUV, which last year was the most popular vehicle in the U.S. that isn't a truck.

Toyota sold almost 408,000 RAV4 compact SUVs last year, making it the new American family car and the top-selling vehicle in the nation, aside from Detroit's popular big pickups.

In an effort to stay on top, Toyota is revamping the RAV for the 2019 model year.

Jack Hollis, Toyota Division Vice President and General Manager, is particularly excited about the hybrid version.

"RAV4 XXEHV is now the quickest across all RAV4 four models. Yes, that's right, the quickest RAV4 is a hybrid," he says.

Toyota is also rolling out a new, six-speed manual Corolla hatchback.

"Sporty Corollas?" says Hollis.

"Yeah, we know a thing or two about them, we also know about feel, that's why hatchback still has a six-speed manual transmission."

Nissan is introducing this redesigned Altima midsize sedan.

"Altima's V6 engine has been replaced with the world's first production VC Turbo four cylinder," says Nissan North America chairman Denis Le Vot.

"This engine generates the performance of a V6 with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine."

Lincoln's new midsize SUV, the Aviator, lets drivers ditch their key and instead drive it with a smartphone app.

"What could be more welcoming than never having to use your key fob? Because now your smartphone is your key," says Joy Falotico, chief marketing officer at Lincoln Motor Company.

The Aviator is an Explorer-like midsize SUV with three rows of seats to compete in the hot luxury SUV market.

Few details were given, except that it will have a twin-turbo engine of undisclosed size as well as a plug-in hybrid option.

It's set to go on sale sometime next year. The price wasn't disclosed.

The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) opens to the public 30 March - 8 April 2018. Press days are on 28 and 29 March.

There are also new SUVs coming from Subaru, Volkswagen, Acura and Cadillac.

New York, US - 28 March 2018

1. Various of new Toyota RAV4 onstage, exterior and interior

2. Setup shot of Jack Hollis, Toyota Division Vice President and General Manager, speaking onstage

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Toyota Division Vice President and General Manager:

"RAV4 XXEHV is now the quickest across all RAV4 four models. Yes, that's right, the quickest RAV4 is a hybrid. It's sporty, has more power, and by the way, as you would expect - anticipated class-leading MPG."

4. Wide of new Toyota Corolla on stage

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Toyota Division Vice President and General Manager:

"So, Corolla hatchback is now lower, wider, longer, which means together with its all-new four-cylinder, two-litre, dynamic shift, CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), and updated suspension, this Corolla has more than a pinch of sports car soul. Sporty Corollas? Yeah, we know a thing or two about them, we also know about feel, that's why hatchback still has a six-speed manual transmission."

6. Various of new Toyota Corolla, exterior and interior

7. Various of new Nissan Altima being unveiled onstage

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Denis Le Vot, Nissan North America Chairman:

"Altima's V6 engine has been replaced with the world's first production VC Turbo four cylinder. This engine generates the performance of a V6 with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. It also adapts on-demand to deliver thrilling horsepower or to run with extreme efficiency. Industry engineers have been working on this technology for decades. Nissan is proud to be the first to deliver it."

9. Various of Nissan Altima, exterior and interior

10. Mid of new Lincoln Aviator being unveiled onstage

11. Various of new Lincoln Aviator, exterior and interior shots

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Joy Falotico, Chief Marketing Officer, Lincoln Motor Company:

"What could be more welcoming than never having to use your key fob? Because now your smartphone is your key. Lincoln's phone is a key technology allows you to unlock, open the trunk, start and drive your Aviator, without a bulky fob in your pocket or purse."

13. Mid of new Lincoln Aviator onstage

LEAD IN:

SUVs are capturing the headlines at this year's New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

Automakers are shoring up gaps in their SUV line-ups and revamping models that are already popular in the hottest-selling segment of the U.S. market.

STORY-LINE:

SUVs hit a record 43 percent of U.S. sales last year at just over 7.3 million, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Leading the way is Toyota with an all-new RAV4 compact SUV, which last year was the most popular vehicle in the U.S. that isn't a truck.

Toyota sold almost 408,000 RAV4 compact SUVs last year, making it the new American family car and the top-selling vehicle in the nation, aside from Detroit's popular big pickups.

In an effort to stay on top, Toyota is revamping the RAV for the 2019 model year.

Jack Hollis, Toyota Division Vice President and General Manager, is particularly excited about the hybrid version.

"RAV4 XXEHV is now the quickest across all RAV4 four models. Yes, that's right, the quickest RAV4 is a hybrid," he says.

Toyota is also rolling out a new, six-speed manual Corolla hatchback.

"Sporty Corollas?" says Hollis.

"Yeah, we know a thing or two about them, we also know about feel, that's why hatchback still has a six-speed manual transmission."

Nissan is introducing this redesigned Altima midsize sedan.

"Altima's V6 engine has been replaced with the world's first production VC Turbo four cylinder," says Nissan North America chairman Denis Le Vot.

"This engine generates the performance of a V6 with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine."

Lincoln's new midsize SUV, the Aviator, lets drivers ditch their key and instead drive it with a smartphone app.

"What could be more welcoming than never having to use your key fob? Because now your smartphone is your key," says Joy Falotico, chief marketing officer at Lincoln Motor Company.

The Aviator is an Explorer-like midsize SUV with three rows of seats to compete in the hot luxury SUV market.

Few details were given, except that it will have a twin-turbo engine of undisclosed size as well as a plug-in hybrid option.

It's set to go on sale sometime next year. The price wasn't disclosed.

The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) opens to the public 30 March - 8 April 2018. Press days are on 28 and 29 March.

There are also new SUVs coming from Subaru, Volkswagen, Acura and Cadillac.

New York, US - 28 March 2018

1. Various of new Toyota RAV4 onstage, exterior and interior

2. Setup shot of Jack Hollis, Toyota Division Vice President and General Manager, speaking onstage

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Toyota Division Vice President and General Manager:

"RAV4 XXEHV is now the quickest across all RAV4 four models. Yes, that's right, the quickest RAV4 is a hybrid. It's sporty, has more power, and by the way, as you would expect - anticipated class-leading MPG."

4. Wide of new Toyota Corolla on stage

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Toyota Division Vice President and General Manager:

"So, Corolla hatchback is now lower, wider, longer, which means together with its all-new four-cylinder, two-litre, dynamic shift, CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), and updated suspension, this Corolla has more than a pinch of sports car soul. Sporty Corollas? Yeah, we know a thing or two about them, we also know about feel, that's why hatchback still has a six-speed manual transmission."

6. Various of new Toyota Corolla, exterior and interior

7. Various of new Nissan Altima being unveiled onstage

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Denis Le Vot, Nissan North America Chairman:

"Altima's V6 engine has been replaced with the world's first production VC Turbo four cylinder. This engine generates the performance of a V6 with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. It also adapts on-demand to deliver thrilling horsepower or to run with extreme efficiency. Industry engineers have been working on this technology for decades. Nissan is proud to be the first to deliver it."

9. Various of Nissan Altima, exterior and interior

10. Mid of new Lincoln Aviator being unveiled onstage

11. Various of new Lincoln Aviator, exterior and interior shots

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Joy Falotico, Chief Marketing Officer, Lincoln Motor Company:

"What could be more welcoming than never having to use your key fob? Because now your smartphone is your key. Lincoln's phone is a key technology allows you to unlock, open the trunk, start and drive your Aviator, without a bulky fob in your pocket or purse."

13. Mid of new Lincoln Aviator onstage

LEAD IN:

SUVs are capturing the headlines at this year's New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

Automakers are shoring up gaps in their SUV line-ups and revamping models that are already popular in the hottest-selling segment of the U.S. market.

STORY-LINE:

SUVs hit a record 43 percent of U.S. sales last year at just over 7.3 million, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Leading the way is Toyota with an all-new RAV4 compact SUV, which last year was the most popular vehicle in the U.S. that isn't a truck.

Toyota sold almost 408,000 RAV4 compact SUVs last year, making it the new American family car and the top-selling vehicle in the nation, aside from Detroit's popular big pickups.

In an effort to stay on top, Toyota is revamping the RAV for the 2019 model year.

Jack Hollis, Toyota Division Vice President and General Manager, is particularly excited about the hybrid version.

"RAV4 XXEHV is now the quickest across all RAV4 four models. Yes, that's right, the quickest RAV4 is a hybrid," he says.

Toyota is also rolling out a new, six-speed manual Corolla hatchback.

"Sporty Corollas?" says Hollis.

"Yeah, we know a thing or two about them, we also know about feel, that's why hatchback still has a six-speed manual transmission."

Nissan is introducing this redesigned Altima midsize sedan.

"Altima's V6 engine has been replaced with the world's first production VC Turbo four cylinder," says Nissan North America chairman Denis Le Vot.

"This engine generates the performance of a V6 with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine."

Lincoln's new midsize SUV, the Aviator, lets drivers ditch their key and instead drive it with a smartphone app.

"What could be more welcoming than never having to use your key fob? Because now your smartphone is your key," says Joy Falotico, chief marketing officer at Lincoln Motor Company.

The Aviator is an Explorer-like midsize SUV with three rows of seats to compete in the hot luxury SUV market.

Few details were given, except that it will have a twin-turbo engine of undisclosed size as well as a plug-in hybrid option.

It's set to go on sale sometime next year. The price wasn't disclosed.

The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) opens to the public 30 March - 8 April 2018. Press days are on 28 and 29 March.

There are also new SUVs coming from Subaru, Volkswagen, Acura and Cadillac.

New York, US - 28 March 2018

1. Various of new Toyota RAV4 onstage, exterior and interior

2. Setup shot of Jack Hollis, Toyota Division Vice President and General Manager, speaking onstage

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Toyota Division Vice President and General Manager:

"RAV4 XXEHV is now the quickest across all RAV4 four models. Yes, that's right, the quickest RAV4 is a hybrid. It's sporty, has more power, and by the way, as you would expect - anticipated class-leading MPG."

4. Wide of new Toyota Corolla on stage

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Hollis, Toyota Division Vice President and General Manager:

"So, Corolla hatchback is now lower, wider, longer, which means together with its all-new four-cylinder, two-litre, dynamic shift, CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), and updated suspension, this Corolla has more than a pinch of sports car soul. Sporty Corollas? Yeah, we know a thing or two about them, we also know about feel, that's why hatchback still has a six-speed manual transmission."

6. Various of new Toyota Corolla, exterior and interior

7. Various of new Nissan Altima being unveiled onstage

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Denis Le Vot, Nissan North America Chairman:

"Altima's V6 engine has been replaced with the world's first production VC Turbo four cylinder. This engine generates the performance of a V6 with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. It also adapts on-demand to deliver thrilling horsepower or to run with extreme efficiency. Industry engineers have been working on this technology for decades. Nissan is proud to be the first to deliver it."

9. Various of Nissan Altima, exterior and interior

10. Mid of new Lincoln Aviator being unveiled onstage

11. Various of new Lincoln Aviator, exterior and interior shots

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Joy Falotico, Chief Marketing Officer, Lincoln Motor Company:

"What could be more welcoming than never having to use your key fob? Because now your smartphone is your key. Lincoln's phone is a key technology allows you to unlock, open the trunk, start and drive your Aviator, without a bulky fob in your pocket or purse."

13. Mid of new Lincoln Aviator onstage

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