The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS 2009) in Detroit is underway. This year there is almost no fancy high powered car to be in the spotlight. The Detroit Auto Show 2009 is all about low fuel consumption, small cars and electric cars.
Toyota for instance unveiled the Toyota FT-EV concept, a fully electric commuter car that is supposed to be in stores in 2012 in the United States.
The Toyota FT-EV is a so called BEV (battery-electric vehicle). The FT-EV concept shares its platform with the Toyota iQ urban commuter vehicle. Already a huge hit in Japan, the iQ is lightweight and seats four passengers in comfort and security, while delivering exceptional mileage, sporty performance, unique refinements and a fun, youthful image. Toyota’s FT-EV concept imagines an urban dweller, driving up to 50 miles between home, work and other forms of public transportation, such as high-speed rail. Although, for now, the FT-EV remains a pure concept, it represents a natural pairing of product strategies.
Via this Toyota announcement.