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

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

SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Brussels, Belgium, 13 January 2010

1. Various wides of Brussels Motor Show hall

2. Pan of Lancia cars

3. Medium of Jaguar car

4. Zoom out from Ferrari logo to Ferrari cars

5. Wide shot Citroen prototype car

6. Zoom out of hostesses waving in Fiat car

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

8. Mid of people at Motor Show

10. Medium of Hyundai stand

11. Close of people speaking

12. Medium of Kia Eco Dynamic car

13. Close of Toyota rooftop solar panels

14. Close of Toyota Prius energy monitor

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

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

16. Pan of salon to Volkswagen stand

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

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

18. Zoom out of Volkswagen eco fuel car

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

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

20. Pan of Peugeot electric car

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

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

22. Electric car driving in test area

23. Electric car on charge

24. Mid shot electric car charging monitor

25. Zoom out of electric utility vehicle

26. Mid of electric utility vehicle with hood open

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

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

28. Close of Volvo electric car on charge

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

30. Wide of Volvo electric car driving in test area

LEAD IN

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

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

STORYLINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Once inside, not a single noise.

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

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

LEADIN:

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

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

STORYLINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toyota is showing off its electric Prius PHV.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

India's Auto Expo 2018 runs till 14 February.

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh - 9 February 2018

1. Mid of musicians performing

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

3. Visitors taking pictures

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

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

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

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

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 12 February 2018

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

9. Close of steering wheel of Renault Trezor concept car

10. Various of Toyota FCV Plus concept car

11. Close of front of Honda Sports EV concept car

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

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

14. Visitor taking photos on his phone

15. Door of NeuV concept car opening

16. Mid of NeuV concept car interior

17. Wide of visitors at Honda pavilion

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

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

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

20. Wide of Toyota pavilion

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

22. Various of Renault Zoe E- Sports concept car

23. Close of visitor taking pictures on phone

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

25. Mid of electric motor

26. Close of charging point

27. Various of Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle

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

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

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

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

31. Various of visitors looking at car

32. Tracking shot of Hyundai Ioniq

33. Various of Ioniq interior

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

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

35. Close of dancers performing at Hyundai pavilion

36. Wide of Hyundai pavilion

LEADIN:

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

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

STORYLINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toyota is showing off its electric Prius PHV.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

India's Auto Expo 2018 runs till 14 February.

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh - 9 February 2018

1. Mid of musicians performing

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

3. Visitors taking pictures

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

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

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

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

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 12 February 2018

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

9. Close of steering wheel of Renault Trezor concept car

10. Various of Toyota FCV Plus concept car

11. Close of front of Honda Sports EV concept car

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

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

14. Visitor taking photos on his phone

15. Door of NeuV concept car opening

16. Mid of NeuV concept car interior

17. Wide of visitors at Honda pavilion

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

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

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

20. Wide of Toyota pavilion

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

22. Various of Renault Zoe E- Sports concept car

23. Close of visitor taking pictures on phone

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

25. Mid of electric motor

26. Close of charging point

27. Various of Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle

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

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

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

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

31. Various of visitors looking at car

32. Tracking shot of Hyundai Ioniq

33. Various of Ioniq interior

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

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

35. Close of dancers performing at Hyundai pavilion

36. Wide of Hyundai pavilion

LEADIN:

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

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

STORYLINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toyota is showing off its electric Prius PHV.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

India's Auto Expo 2018 runs till 14 February.

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh - 9 February 2018

1. Mid of musicians performing

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

3. Visitors taking pictures

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

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

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

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

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 12 February 2018

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

9. Close of steering wheel of Renault Trezor concept car

10. Various of Toyota FCV Plus concept car

11. Close of front of Honda Sports EV concept car

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

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

14. Visitor taking photos on his phone

15. Door of NeuV concept car opening

16. Mid of NeuV concept car interior

17. Wide of visitors at Honda pavilion

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

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

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

20. Wide of Toyota pavilion

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

22. Various of Renault Zoe E- Sports concept car

23. Close of visitor taking pictures on phone

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

25. Mid of electric motor

26. Close of charging point

27. Various of Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle

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

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

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

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

31. Various of visitors looking at car

32. Tracking shot of Hyundai Ioniq

33. Various of Ioniq interior

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

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

35. Close of dancers performing at Hyundai pavilion

36. Wide of Hyundai pavilion

SHOTLIST: NB: no slate at start of story

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

1. Wide of gas station signs and street traffic.

2. Close of gas prices on sign.

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

4. Close of gas pump price display.

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

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

6. Close of Tom Gage in car.

7. Close of Gage fastening seat belt.

8. Close of T-Zero logo on car.

9. Close rear view of T-Zero.

10. Close of hand turning ignition.

11. Mid of T-Zero driving away.

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

13. Onboard view of T-Zero on highway.

14. Close of Tom Gage driving car.

15. Close of T-Zero steering wheel.

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

17. Close of drill and battery housing.

18. Close of mechanic.

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

20. Close of Scion logo on car.

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

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

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

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

24. Close of batteries.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUGGESTED LEADIN

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

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

STORYLINE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keyword-science-technology