Hino Poncho L

Hino Poncho L
This Hino-designed bus uses a collapsible ramp, rather than steps, which makes it easier for wheelchair bound passengers to board

Isuzu Gigamax Tractor AC

Isuzu Gigamax Tractor AC
Disabled drivers who wish to pursue trucking careers can do so with Isuzu’s Gigamax, a barrier-free model displayed at the show.

2010 Hyundai Azera

The 2010 Hyundai Azera will give its overpriced competitors a lot to worry about. Indeed, the Azera has more interior room than the Mercedes E-Class and more horsepower than the BMW 528i. The 2010 Azera has a beefed-up standard equipment list and an endless array of amenities. Read our review of the latest Azera model to understand how this groundbreaking vehicle has artfully blended luxury, economy, and style, and is redefining the large sedan category singlehandedly.

Prototype and concept cars

Rover first showed the Mini as the ACV30 concept car in 1997.This looked very different from the production Mini. It had circular headlamps, huge wheel flares and a much more rounded appearance overall compared to the production design.

Before the first sales of the new Mini, prototype versions were shown at the 2000 Paris Auto Show. These were essentially identical to the version that was finally sold except that the colours used have never been used in production cars.

BMW demonstrated a hydrogen-powered internal combustion technology in some of their concept cars in 2000 and 2001, and Mini showcased a hydrogen powered concept car in 2001 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The car differs from electric-motor hydrogen concepts, such as the Honda FCX in that it uses a cylinder-based internal combustion engine.

An all-electric Mini is in use at the British Embassy in Mexico that uses around 200 kilograms (440 lb) of Lithium Ion batteries. Three electric Minis were also made for use in some subway scenes in the 2003 movie The Italian Job to satisfy the subway authorities concerns over possible carbon monoxide poisoning. PML Flightlink developed a prototype series-hybrid conversion, called "Mini QED", replacing the drivetrain with an 160 bhp (120 kW) electric motor in each wheel and an efficient onboard gasoline generator.

With higher powered engines, the standard front wheel drive Mini tends to produce a high level of wheel spin - a four wheel drive would be a natural solution to that problem. Getrag demonstrated a four wheel drive version of the Mini in 2004.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, Mini revealed a retro version of the classic "Mini Traveller" station wagon. Based on a stretched wheelbase with two side-hinged rear doors and separate rear seats replacing the split bench seat of the standard Mini. At the Tokyo Auto Show, the same basic concept reappeared with some fanciful additions - a circular roof section could be removed to form a picnic table with four folding chairs. The rear side windows were replaced with fold-down storage containers containing cutlery, cups and plates. In Detroit, a further version was presented without the table and chairs - but with a radically restyled interior.