Toyota Motor Corp, Asia’s biggest carmaker, will unveil a hydrogen-fueled sedan at the Tokyo Motor Show next month.
The maker of the Prius, the world’s best-selling hybrid vehicle, will introduce six models including the FCV-R concept car, a midsize sedan that runs on hydrogen. Toyota aims to market the vehicle in 2015.
Toyota will also introduce the Aqua compact hybrid, a plug-in version of its Prius hybrid, and the FT-EV III, an all-electric car, at the show. The Toyota City, Japan-based company plans to begin selling the Aqua late next month and the plug-in Prius and the electric vehicle next year.
Photo: AFP/HO/Toyota Motor
Nissan Motor Co, the maker of the all-electric Leaf car, will display three electric vehicles: the Pivo3 compact, the ESFLOW sports car and the Townpod compact. The Pivo3 comes with an automatic parking feature that enables it to find a parking space and drive itself to the spot after the driver has left the vehicle.
Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn has said the carmaker plans to have four electric models by 2016 and to introduce a plug-in hybrid in 2015. With its French partner Renault SA, the company aims to sell 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles in the next five years.
Honda Motor Co, the maker of the Insight hybrid car, will introduce three models, including its first plug-in hybrid, the AC-X sedan and an electric sports car.
The Tokyo Motor Show, which opens to the public on Dec. 2, will feature 15 Japanese auto brands and 25 foreign brands.
Separately, Honda said it is beginning to restore some production of cars and motorcycles that took a hit from the recent flooding in Thailand.
The Japanese company has restarted output of some motorcycle and power products at its subsidiary in Thailand. It had suspended motorcycle output at the plant since Oct. 11 due to supply problems.
Honda’s auto factory in Thailand remains closed because of the floodwaters.
Honda will continue to limit production at six auto plants in the US and Canada, but it says some factories will produce at rates exceeding the 50 percent the company announced previously. It expects to return to normal levels on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.
Honda said it has plans for layoffs at its North American plants.
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