Toyota gets a little funky

Acknowledging that perhaps it was time to put the passion back into their products, Toyota introduced today their new FT-CH concept, making its world premiere in Detroit.

Its funky design edict targets the "8-bit Generation" -those who were weaned on early computer games, with specific retro-styling, and funky colours. Designed in Europe, the FT-CH rides on a 6" shorter wheelbase than the Prius, but is 22" shorter overall.

It's part of their Sustainable Mobility - having spent a decade establishing the hybrid segment and then building upon it, Toyota believes the next step is to improve the supporting infrastructure and to include their vehicle's final recycling into its complete life cycle assessment.

Toyota's Jim Lentz stated the company's strategy is to introduce plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and battery electrics (BEVs) by 2012, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCHVs) by 2015.