US TOYOTA PRIUS

SHOTLIST:

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS

RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

LENGTH: 3:05

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, California, US – 16 November 2022

1. Various of the new 2023 Prius models at their unveiling

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, California, US – 17 November 2022

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Paul Hogard, Toyota Product Communications:

"Some of the highlights in terms of that redesign is obviously the new sporty exterior. It's a nice, sleek package, a little lower in terms of the roofline, a little wider towards the rear, put on 19-inch wheels and it gives it at least a little bit of a performance feel for a Prius. Kind of a surprising design."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, California, US– 16 November 2022

3. Various of people looking at the new 2023 Prius models

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, California, US – 17 November 2022

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Paul Hogard, Toyota Product Communications:

"More horsepower on the Prius hybrid model this time around - 196 horsepower. And then on the Prius prime, we're going to increase the range. It's going to get you a 50 percent more pure EV range for zero-emission driving on that plug-in model."

5. A display at the LA Auto Show for the new Prius models

ASSOCIATED PRESS

London, UK - 18 November 2022

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Jim Holder, editor, Autocar: ++VIDEO CALL++

"It's absolutely true that Toyota has moved into full electrification slower than some of its rivals. It (Toyota) would argue very strongly that that's a deliberate move about using the world's battery resources to their best effect. Better to get them in lots of cars where they're used in their entire capacity every single day than having these large electric vehicles that can go hundreds of miles but perhaps don't drive hundreds of miles every single day. But the market has moved. Toyota is reflecting that to some degree with this Prius, but more so with this onslaught of electric vehicles that it does have coming between now and the middle of the decade, when it really will catch up with its rivals."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, California, US – 17 November 2022

7. Visitors check out the new Prius models

ASSOCIATED PRESS

London, UK - 18 November 2022

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Jim Holder, editor, Autocar: ++VIDEO CALL++

"I think Toyota's always been caught between two sides on design. Some people have criticised it for building bland refrigerators on wheels. Some people have criticised it for going too far when it's trying to counteract that by creating these quite challenging shapes. I think the Prius needed to stand out. You have to remember it was a standard bearer and a trailblazer for the hybrid technology. It needed to look different in order for people to understand that underneath it was different. I think what we have now is a much more grown-up version of that design. It's evolved now into a car that is a mass market vehicle achieving really the electric goals of many of its competitors."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, California, US – 17 November 2022

9. A visitor looks at the Prius Prime model

10. Various of signs for the LA Auto Show

LEADIN:

Japanese car maker Toyota has unveiled its latest flagship Prius hybrid car at the L.A. Auto Show.

The 2023 model is the first major redesign of the car -- which features important performance improvements.

STORYLINE:

The new Toyota Prius hybrid-electric not only comes with more power, acceleration and driving range.

It's also more stylish, scrapping the rather stodgy angular body for a sleekly futuristic look.

The car was unveiled in both Los Angeles, California, and Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday (16 November 2022).

"Some of the highlights in terms of that redesign is obviously the new sporty exterior. It's a nice, sleek package, a little lower in terms of the roofline, a little wider towards the rear, put on 19-inch wheels and it gives it at least a little bit of a performance feel for a Prius. Kind of a surprising design," says Paul Hogard, Toyota Product Communications.

The fifth-generation Prius hybrid models will go on sale this winter first in Japan then the U.S.

A plug-in version will hit the market next year, according to Toyota Motor Corp. Prices were not announced.

The automaker swapped an older nickel-metal-hydride battery for a smaller, lighter lithium-ion battery that puts out 15 percent more energy.

The engine grows from 1.8 litres to 2, and the horsepower rises from 121 to above 190. As a result, zero to 60 mph (97 kilometres per hour) acceleration drops from over 10 seconds to around 7 seconds depending on the Prius version.

"More horsepower on the Prius hybrid model this time around - 196 horsepower. And then on the Prius prime, we're going to increase the range. It's going to get you a 50% more pure EV range for zero-emission driving on that plug-in model," says Hogard.

The Prius, which first went on sale in 1997, switches back and forth between a petrol engine and electric motor to deliver a cleaner drive than the models with regular combustion engines.

Toyota estimates the 2023 Prius will get 57 mpg in combined city and highway driving, calling it the most efficient Prius ever.

Electric cars are zero-emissions but need recharging. Some consumers are worried about running out of juice on the roads. A hybrid always has the combustion engine as backup.

But Toyota's reluctance to release a fully electric Prius has been criticised by environmentalists.

"It's absolutely true that Toyota has moved into full electrification slower than some of its rivals," says Jim Holder, editor, Autocar.

"It would argue very strongly that that's a deliberate move about using the world's battery resources to their best effect. Better to get them in lots of cars where they're used in their entire capacity every single day than having these large electric vehicles that can go hundreds of miles but perhaps don't drive hundreds of miles every single day. But the market has moved. Toyota is reflecting that to some degree with this Prius, but more so with this onslaught of electric vehicles that it does have coming between now and the middle of the decade, when it really will catch up with its rivals."

Toyota has cumulatively sold more than 20.3 million hybrid vehicles, including Prius cars, around the world so far.

The Prius, which means "pioneer" or "first" in Latin, has defined Toyota as a brand as much as its Lexus luxury models.

The 2023 model marks the first major redesign of the model.

"I think Toyota's always been caught between two sides on design," says Holder.

"Some people have criticised it for building bland refrigerators on wheels. Some people have criticised it for going too far when it's trying to counteract that by creating these quite challenging shapes. I think the Prius needed to stand out. You have to remember it was a standard bearer and a trailblazer for the hybrid technology. It needed to look different in order for people to understand that underneath it was different. I think what we have now is a much more grown-up version of that design. It's evolved now into a car that is a mass market vehicle achieving really the electric goals of many of its competitors."

====

Clients are reminded:

(i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com.

(ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service

(iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory.

US TOYOTA PRIUS

SHOTLIST:

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS

RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

LENGTH: 3:05

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, California, US – 16 November 2022

1. Various of the new 2023 Prius models at their unveiling

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, California, US – 17 November 2022

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Paul Hogard, Toyota Product Communications:

"Some of the highlights in terms of that redesign is obviously the new sporty exterior. It's a nice, sleek package, a little lower in terms of the roofline, a little wider towards the rear, put on 19-inch wheels and it gives it at least a little bit of a performance feel for a Prius. Kind of a surprising design."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, California, US– 16 November 2022

3. Various of people looking at the new 2023 Prius models

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, California, US – 17 November 2022

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Paul Hogard, Toyota Product Communications:

"More horsepower on the Prius hybrid model this time around - 196 horsepower. And then on the Prius prime, we're going to increase the range. It's going to get you a 50 percent more pure EV range for zero-emission driving on that plug-in model."

5. A display at the LA Auto Show for the new Prius models

ASSOCIATED PRESS

London, UK - 18 November 2022

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Jim Holder, editor, Autocar: ++VIDEO CALL++

"It's absolutely true that Toyota has moved into full electrification slower than some of its rivals. It (Toyota) would argue very strongly that that's a deliberate move about using the world's battery resources to their best effect. Better to get them in lots of cars where they're used in their entire capacity every single day than having these large electric vehicles that can go hundreds of miles but perhaps don't drive hundreds of miles every single day. But the market has moved. Toyota is reflecting that to some degree with this Prius, but more so with this onslaught of electric vehicles that it does have coming between now and the middle of the decade, when it really will catch up with its rivals."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, California, US – 17 November 2022

7. Visitors check out the new Prius models

ASSOCIATED PRESS

London, UK - 18 November 2022

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Jim Holder, editor, Autocar: ++VIDEO CALL++

"I think Toyota's always been caught between two sides on design. Some people have criticised it for building bland refrigerators on wheels. Some people have criticised it for going too far when it's trying to counteract that by creating these quite challenging shapes. I think the Prius needed to stand out. You have to remember it was a standard bearer and a trailblazer for the hybrid technology. It needed to look different in order for people to understand that underneath it was different. I think what we have now is a much more grown-up version of that design. It's evolved now into a car that is a mass market vehicle achieving really the electric goals of many of its competitors."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, California, US – 17 November 2022

9. A visitor looks at the Prius Prime model

10. Various of signs for the LA Auto Show

LEADIN:

Japanese car maker Toyota has unveiled its latest flagship Prius hybrid car at the L.A. Auto Show.

The 2023 model is the first major redesign of the car -- which features important performance improvements.

STORYLINE:

The new Toyota Prius hybrid-electric not only comes with more power, acceleration and driving range.

It's also more stylish, scrapping the rather stodgy angular body for a sleekly futuristic look.

The car was unveiled in both Los Angeles, California, and Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday (16 November 2022).

"Some of the highlights in terms of that redesign is obviously the new sporty exterior. It's a nice, sleek package, a little lower in terms of the roofline, a little wider towards the rear, put on 19-inch wheels and it gives it at least a little bit of a performance feel for a Prius. Kind of a surprising design," says Paul Hogard, Toyota Product Communications.

The fifth-generation Prius hybrid models will go on sale this winter first in Japan then the U.S.

A plug-in version will hit the market next year, according to Toyota Motor Corp. Prices were not announced.

The automaker swapped an older nickel-metal-hydride battery for a smaller, lighter lithium-ion battery that puts out 15 percent more energy.

The engine grows from 1.8 litres to 2, and the horsepower rises from 121 to above 190. As a result, zero to 60 mph (97 kilometres per hour) acceleration drops from over 10 seconds to around 7 seconds depending on the Prius version.

"More horsepower on the Prius hybrid model this time around - 196 horsepower. And then on the Prius prime, we're going to increase the range. It's going to get you a 50% more pure EV range for zero-emission driving on that plug-in model," says Hogard.

The Prius, which first went on sale in 1997, switches back and forth between a petrol engine and electric motor to deliver a cleaner drive than the models with regular combustion engines.

Toyota estimates the 2023 Prius will get 57 mpg in combined city and highway driving, calling it the most efficient Prius ever.

Electric cars are zero-emissions but need recharging. Some consumers are worried about running out of juice on the roads. A hybrid always has the combustion engine as backup.

But Toyota's reluctance to release a fully electric Prius has been criticised by environmentalists.

"It's absolutely true that Toyota has moved into full electrification slower than some of its rivals," says Jim Holder, editor, Autocar.

"It would argue very strongly that that's a deliberate move about using the world's battery resources to their best effect. Better to get them in lots of cars where they're used in their entire capacity every single day than having these large electric vehicles that can go hundreds of miles but perhaps don't drive hundreds of miles every single day. But the market has moved. Toyota is reflecting that to some degree with this Prius, but more so with this onslaught of electric vehicles that it does have coming between now and the middle of the decade, when it really will catch up with its rivals."

Toyota has cumulatively sold more than 20.3 million hybrid vehicles, including Prius cars, around the world so far.

The Prius, which means "pioneer" or "first" in Latin, has defined Toyota as a brand as much as its Lexus luxury models.

The 2023 model marks the first major redesign of the model.

"I think Toyota's always been caught between two sides on design," says Holder.

"Some people have criticised it for building bland refrigerators on wheels. Some people have criticised it for going too far when it's trying to counteract that by creating these quite challenging shapes. I think the Prius needed to stand out. You have to remember it was a standard bearer and a trailblazer for the hybrid technology. It needed to look different in order for people to understand that underneath it was different. I think what we have now is a much more grown-up version of that design. It's evolved now into a car that is a mass market vehicle achieving really the electric goals of many of its competitors."

====

Clients are reminded:

(i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com.

(ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service

(iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory.

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

Japanese/English

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

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

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

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

The car of the future?

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

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

SOUNDBITE: (Japanese)

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

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

Toyota is the first on to the market.

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

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

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

How the car will be received by consumers is unclear.

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

The hybrid is clever and expensive technology.

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

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

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

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

SOUNDBITE: (English)

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

SUPER CAPTION: Toshio Aritake, Bureau of National Affairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOUNDBITE: (Japanese)

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

SUPER CAPTION: Teruo Kawai, inventor of magnetic powered vehicle

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

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

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

Tokyo, Japan. 13 and 14 October 1997

14 October 1997

1. Wide shot of hybrid powered car being unveiled

2. Close up pan across car

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

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

5. Various of Toyota video explaining hybrid power system.

6. Prospective buyer sitting in car

7. Pan from prospective buyer in car to engine

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

9. Interior of the car

13 October 1997

10. Wide shot of magnetic powered vehicle.

11. Close up of vehicle.

12. Various of engineering placing magnet in power drive.

13. SOUNDBITE: Teruo Kawai, Inventor of magnetic powered

vehicle (Japanese)

14. Wide shot of vehicle being photographed

JAPAN TOYOTA

SOURCE: AP TELEVISION

RESTRICTIONS: TECHNOLOGY CLIENTS ONLY

LENGTH: 4:22

SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 17 November 2014

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

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 18 November 2014

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

3. Close of Kato and Tanaka

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

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

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 17 November 2014

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

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 18 November 2014

6. Wide of model showing fuel cell system

7. Close of Fuel filler

8. Pan left of model showing fuel cell system

9. Close of Fuel cell stack

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 17 November 2014

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

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

11. Pan left of Mirai driving by

12. Various of Mirai interior as it drives

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

14. Wide of Mirai arriving at hydrogen station pump

15. Various of fuelling process

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 18 November 2014

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

17. Close up of Griemel

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

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

19. Wide of press conference

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

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

21. Close of Mirai's front interior

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

23. Wide of Mirai

24. Pull focus of Toyota logo

AP Television

Tokyo, Japan - 17 November 2014

25. Low shot of Mirai driving past

LEADIN:

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

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

STORYLINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I believe its innovation will surpass the Prius."

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

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

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

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

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

The stack outputs a maximum of 114 KW.

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

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

Honda recently showed off a fuel cell concept.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Japan, there are about 30 stations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consumers can expect costs in line with some luxury models.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

hydrogen will be needed.

AP TELEVISION

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Los Angeles, California

1. Wide, convention floor at Los Angeles Auto Show

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. Wide, Honda sign on convention floor

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

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

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

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

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

18. Tight, Honda insignia on front of car

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

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

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

22. Tight, Iwamura speaks to Japanese reporters

23. Medium pan, concept car

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

25. Wide, audience waiting for Hyundai press conference

26. Medium, people at Hyundai presser

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

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

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

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

31. Wide, Krafcik on stage

32. Medium, Hyundai Tucson compact SUV

33. Wide, Toyota display at convention

34. Tight, Toyota sign

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

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

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4038307

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4038307

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AP Television

Busan, South Korea - 2 June, 2016

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

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

3. Wide of K7 HEV and K5 PHEV

4. Wide of K5 PHEV on the stage

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

6. Rear side view of K5 PHEV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Mid of Mirai FCV on the stage

18. Wide of Mirai FCV on the stage

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

20. Front three quarters view of Mirai FCV

21. Close of 'FUELCELL' on Mirai FCV

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

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

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

24. Pan from G80 to G80 Sport on the stage

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

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

27. Front three quarters of G80

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

29. Close of the driver's seat of G80

30. Various details inside G80

31. Rear view of G80

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

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

33. Close of Genesis emblem on G80 Sport

34. G80 Sport on the stage

35. Front of G80 Sport

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

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

38. Various of Genesis exhibition hall

39. Mid of Mini Convertible at Mini cooper exhibition hall

40. Wide of Busan motor exhibition hall

LENGTH: 5:05

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORY-LINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Busan, South Korea - 2 June, 2016

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

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

3. Wide of K7 HEV and K5 PHEV

4. Wide of K5 PHEV on the stage

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

6. Rear side view of K5 PHEV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Mid of Mirai FCV on the stage

18. Wide of Mirai FCV on the stage

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

20. Front three quarters view of Mirai FCV

21. Close of 'FUELCELL' on Mirai FCV

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

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

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

24. Pan from G80 to G80 Sport on the stage

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

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

27. Front three quarters of G80

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

29. Close of the driver's seat of G80

30. Various details inside G80

31. Rear view of G80

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

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

33. Close of Genesis emblem on G80 Sport

34. G80 Sport on the stage

35. Front of G80 Sport

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

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

38. Various of Genesis exhibition hall

39. Mid of Mini Convertible at Mini cooper exhibition hall

40. Wide of Busan motor exhibition hall

LENGTH: 5:05

LEADIN

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

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

STORYLINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nothing is conventional about this car under the hood though.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tokyo, Japan - 20 November 2013

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

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

3. Shot of interior of Blade Glider

4. Shot of the rear of the Blade Glider

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

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

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

7. Ghosn on stage during Nissan's presentation

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

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

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

10. Side shot of the Toyota FV2 concept vehicle.

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

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

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

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

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

15. Shot from the rear of the FV2

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

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

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

18. FV2 closing

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

20. Cutaway - Daihatsu concept vehicle

21. Cutaway - Daihatsu concept vehicle called Deca Deca

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

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

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

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

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

26. Front shot of the BMW i8 - concept car

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

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

29. Interior of the BMW4 series Cabriolet

30. Rear shot of the BMW4 series Cabriolet

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

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

32. Toyota concept vehicle demonstration at the Toyota booth.

SHOTLIST

London - November 27, 2008

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

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

3. Wide Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

4. Mid Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

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

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

6. Close Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

7. Pull out Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

8. Close Nissan Pivo 2 revolving

9. Wide Honda Insight

10. Set up shot Shigeru Ban, Architect

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Shigeru Ban, Architect:

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

12. Wide Toyota Plug in HV (Hybrid Vehicle)

13. Various plug in to recharge car battery

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

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

15. Pan Honda Insight

16. Pull focus Honda Insight light

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

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

18. Pan Daihatsu Tanto to Toyota IQ

19. Wide Toyota bB

20. Tilt up Toyota bB

21. Pan Toyota bB rear light

22. Wide Toyota i-REAL

23. Mid Toyota i-REAL

24. Tilt up Toyota i-REAL

25. Tilt down interior entrance area Science Museum

26. Wide exterior Science Museum

LEAD IN:

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

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

STORYLINE:

Is this the vision of the future?

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

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

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

Eva Ng Kon Tia is a representative from Nissan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOUTH KOREA MOTOR SHOW

SOURCE: AP TECHNOLOGY

RESTRICTIONS: TECHNOLOGY CLIENTS ONLY

LENGTH: 5:05

SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Busan, South Korea - 2 June, 2016

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

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

3. Wide of K7 HEV and K5 PHEV

4. Wide of K5 PHEV on the stage

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

6. Rear side view of K5 PHEV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Mid of Mirai FCV on the stage

18. Wide of Mirai FCV on the stage

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

20. Front three quarters view of Mirai FCV

21. Close of 'FUELCELL' on Mirai FCV

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

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

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

24. Pan from G80 to G80 Sport on the stage

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

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

27. Front three quarters of G80

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

29. Close of the driver's seat of G80

30. Various details inside G80

31. Rear view of G80

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

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

33. Close of Genesis emblem on G80 Sport

34. G80 Sport on the stage

35. Front of G80 Sport

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

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

38. Various of Genesis exhibition hall

39. Mid of Mini Convertible at Mini cooper exhibition hall

40. Wide of Busan motor exhibition hall

LEADIN:

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

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

STORYLINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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LEADIN:

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

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

STORYLINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tokyo, Japan - 25 October 2017

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

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

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

3. Various of Concept-i

4. Various of GRHV Sports concept

5. Various of Fine-Comfort Ride

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

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

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

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

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

9. Various of IMx zero-emission concept

10. Various of Nissan Leaf Nismo concept

Tokyo, Japan - 23 October 2017

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

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

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

Tokyo, Japan - 25 October 2017

13. Various of Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION concept

14. Various of Honda Sports EV concept

LEADIN:

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

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

STORYLINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tokyo, Japan - 25 October 2017

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

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

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

3. Various of Concept-i

4. Various of GRHV Sports concept

5. Various of Fine-Comfort Ride

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

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

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

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

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

9. Various of IMx zero-emission concept

10. Various of Nissan Leaf Nismo concept

Tokyo, Japan - 23 October 2017

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

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

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

Tokyo, Japan - 25 October 2017

13. Various of Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION concept

14. Various of Honda Sports EV concept

LEADIN:

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

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

STORYLINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tokyo, Japan - 25 October 2017

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

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

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

3. Various of Concept-i

4. Various of GRHV Sports concept

5. Various of Fine-Comfort Ride

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

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

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

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

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

9. Various of IMx zero-emission concept

10. Various of Nissan Leaf Nismo concept

Tokyo, Japan - 23 October 2017

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

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

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

Tokyo, Japan - 25 October 2017

13. Various of Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION concept

14. Various of Honda Sports EV concept