Tokyo Motor Show
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show was dominated by a host of new hybrid and electric vehicles
By Will Shiers
1 Fuso Super Great Eco Hybrid Fuso’s Global Hybrid Centre develops all Daimler hybrid models, so even though we’ll never see it in Europe, the technology inside will one day appear in the MB Actros. It’s undergoing trials (running from Tokyo to Nagoya alongside a diesel-powered Super Great), and is achieving a 10% improvement in fuel economy. Discover what CM thinks of the Super Great when we review it in early 2012.
2 Fuso Canter E-Cell
In 2006 Fuso launched a Canter Eco Hybrid and this year it showed a full electric version of its popular 3.5-tonne truck. The Canter E-Cell uses a lithium ion battery and can travel 80 miles on a 10-hour charge. It goes on sale in Japan next summer. Meanwhile, the Canter Hybrid now comes equipped with Fuso’s acclaimed Duonic dual-clutch transmission.
3 Hino eZ-Cargo
Hino had a pair of hybrids on show – a parallel and a plug-in version – but it was its whacky eZ-Cargo concept delivery van that attracted the most attention. This full electric van, which has a range of 35 miles and can be charged in six hours, will be trialed next year.
4 Isuzu T-Next
Isuzu’s T-Next concept tractor certainly got the cameras lashing. The ultra-aerodynamic prototype features a central driving position. Its styling is said to exemplify Isuzu’s design identity.
5 Isuzu D-Max
Jointly developed with GM, the Thai-built mid-sized pickup truck is offered in single and crew-cab conigurations. Power comes from either a 2.5-litre (115hp and 136hp) or 3-litre (177hp) diesel engine.
6 Nissan NV350
This was the world preview of Nissan’s NV350, which its maker claims is the irst CV with keyless push-button ignition. It goes on sale in its home market next summer.
7 Toyota Fun-ViiNo, it’s not a CV, but the Toyota
Fun-Vii does give you a good idea of just how whacky the hundreds of concept vehicles on show were. Apparently it “heralds a not-toodistant future where people, cars and society are linked” . Photographs taken on your mobile phone can be projected onto the side of the vehicle. Instead of lowers, we would be tempted to take a picture of a conventional car!
8 AD Motors This Korean-built electric ‘CV’, used in the loosest sense of the term, has a top speed of 37mph and a range of 48 miles. Other alternatives are a golf cart, bicycle, or a new pair of shoes. ■