Event Report from 83rd Geneva Motor Show: Compact and Refreshing Mobility Concept, 'TOYOTA i-ROAD' -- Idea for Next-Generation Smart Community

TOKYO, March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Sales & Marketing (Toyota) have premiered the "TOYOTA i-ROAD," an ultra-compact, tandem two-seater electric vehicle, at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show held from March 7 through 17.

(Photo: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/opn/release/201303120444/)

The TOYOTA i-ROAD, developed under the theme of compact and refreshing mobility, designed to suit short-distance urban travel while offering enjoyable, environmentally-friendly mobility. It is not offered just as a product but as one of the solutions for realizing a next-generation smart community.

Driving performance demonstrates the features of the TOYOTA i-ROAD at the Geneva Motor Show.

TOYOTA i-ROAD movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ZnaDE4Fxk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElwPvpm0lVE

Exhilarating Driving Performance
The TOYOTA i-ROAD makes an appearance with rhythmic music and dancing performance. It swiftly turns corners and smoothly makes a run to the main stage, demonstrating exhilarating driving.

Blog & press releases
http://blog.toyota.eu/2013/03/04/i-roll-i-rock-i-road/
http://newsroom.toyota.eu/home

Toyota Global Site
http://www.toyota-global.com/events/motor_show/2013/geneva/booth/

About TOYOTA i-ROAD
- Developmental background
Toyota has been researching and implementing environmentally-friendly mobility solutions for over 40 years. Whilst Hybrid Vehicles (HVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) are ideal for mainstream use over medium to long distances, Toyota believes in the feasibility of Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) including Electric Vehicles (EVs) as one mode of urban transportation for shorter distances.

Through over 10 years of the research and development of PMVs, the concept of "seeking to stay close to people" has been developed. Evolving this concept, the development of the TOYOTA i-ROAD began in July 2010.

- Main features
The ultra-compact body offers excellent maneuverability. Requiring no special driving skills, a new, entirely intuitive active-lean system provides great response and an exhilarating driving experience.

- Approach to commercialization
A three-year collaborative car-sharing project will start by the end of 2014 in Grenoble, France. Toyota plans to supply nearly 70 ultra-compact electric vehicles, including the COMS ultra-compact vehicle produced by Toyota Auto Body, as well as a new vehicle based on the TOYOTA i-ROAD. For the future establishment of a next-generation smart community, Toyota will accelerate research and development toward the practical adoption of the TOYOTA i-ROAD.

http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/13/03/0304.html
http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/13/03/0305.html

Contact:
Hiroshi Inagawa, Junya Ogura
Toyota Motor Sales & Marketing Corporation
Tel: +81-3-5770-0640
Email: Michiaki.Takada@gettyimages.com