This
year's exhibit is marked by advanced technology
in a wide range of genres: new models about
to be launched, environment-friendly cars,
IT models, and even F1 test cars and other
motor sport versions. Exhibitors are celebrating
the new century by proposing new and exciting
ways to enjoy the mobility of the automobile.
The Center Hall features the Toyota and
Daihatsu in a joint exhibit. Toyota has
19 reference models and 39 market models,
including the "Estima Hybrid" on
display, winning it the title of largest
exhibitor this year. The booth organizes
its new models and technologies under four
themes: "Ecology," "Sports," "New
Concepts" and "Motor Sports."
The "Ecology" corner features
the ultra-low pollution "ES3," which
has won considerable attention for its
environment technologies. This hybrid-model
concept car boasts 47 kilometers to the
liter fuel economy (10-15 mode) and extensive
recycling technology. Its 4 passenger packaging
and refined 2-door hatchback design resemble
a new launch more than a concept car.
Toyota also has a fuel cell hybrid on
display for the first time. The "FCHV-5" converts
gasoline to extract hydrogen and generate
electricity. Its appearance at the show
is a palpable indication that the age of
the eco-car is not long off.
Among the IT models, Toyota's "pod," a
collaboration with Sony, is an object of
intense interest. This concept model incorporates
many of the ideas behind Sony's "AIBO" pet
robot to give the car emotional expression
and the ability to communicate with its owner.
Visitors delight in seeing the "pod" express
its joy or sadness.
The "FXS" concept sports car wows
the younger visitors. This innovative 2-door
open-top sports car features a powerful 4.3
liter V-8 engine. Motor fans also throng
to see the "TF101" F1 test car
at the front of the booth. "Toyota will
enter F1 racing for the first time next spring.
Digital cameras pop for the "Toyota
RV8F/Reynard" exhibit too, which Toyota
will enter in the CART championships.
Upcoming launches on display include the "Will
VC," the third in the "Will" series,
a new brand developed in collaboration with
Matsushita Electric Industrial and other
non-automotive companies. The car has a "G-Book" information
terminal on board for Internet access and
e-mail, and uses the SD memory card slot
to play MP3 audio. It is a popular exhibit
among the wired generation. The Toyota technical
exhibit features new engines and safety technologies,
including 2 liter and 1.4 liter compact,
direct injection diesel turbo engines for
the European market. Engineers eagerly study
the many advanced technologies on display. |