HARD SHOULDER:The dominant theme of the Tokyo motor show may have been futuristic concepts, smartphone cars and smartgrid cities where power is shared harmoniously between the vehicles and the buildings, but there was some metal that still stood out.
Aside from Toyota’s new GT86 sports car, the Japanese firm also confirmed the expansion of its hybrid model range, with the introduction of the seven-seater Prius+ and the plug-in version of the current model, both arriving in Ireland in June.
Both cars will also feature the first lithium-ion battery packs to be used in production cars by the brand. June will also see the introduction of a hybrid version of the Yaris, promising to have the lowest emissions in its class.
Of the other brands on show, arguably the two most eye-catching new cars were from VW and Mazda.
VW showcased its styling of a future coupe-styled SUV (below left) that looks like a mix between the current Tiguan and the Scirocco. Billed as the cross coupe concept, it showcases an all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid vehicle.
The other eye-catcher was the Mazda Takeri (top left) concept, pointing towards the next generation Mazda6, due for sale early in 2013. It also strongly hints at a future four-door coupe version of that model range.
Toyota and BMW gear up for partnership
Toyota and BMW have reached a deal whereby the German firm will provide 1.6-litre and 2-litre diesel engines to the Japanese brand from 2014 in return for co-operation between the two on future lithium-ion battery technology, particularly aimed at electric and hybrid models.
Toyota will use the engines in Europe, initially on cars built here.
The chief executive of Toyota Motor Europe, Didier Leroy, said an alliance would let both sides bolster efficiency, improve economies of scale, reduce development costs and bring cars to market more quickly.
New model army for Mercedes offensive
Mercedes-Benz is planning a model offensive over the next four years that will see 10 new cars launched. These include a new coupe-sized model, the BLS, that fits between the B-Class and C-Class. There is also a Qashqai-sized crossover vehicle on the way. By the end of 2012 we will also see a new A-Class, based on the exciting concept model showcased recently.
Predicting new car sales in Ireland will drop to 75,000 in 2012 from 90,000 this year, Mercedes Ireland sales manager Ciaran Allen, said the premium brand still expected to increase its market share from 2.1 per cent this year to 2.7 per cent in 2012.