Visitors to the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi Prefecture will be afforded a glimpse of future vehicles and other transportation technology in a pavilion operated by the Toyota Motor Corp. group.
Toyota, a leading promoter of the exposition, plans to develop a one-seat electric car featuring various advanced technologies, including auto-cruising and crash-avoidance systems, by the end of 2004, Toyota officials said.
The vehicle, known as the i-unit, is expected to take center stage in an entertaining future-technology show at the pavilion.
The 5,000-sq.-meter pavilion will also showcase methods of recycling natural resources: the pavilion's construction will involve reusable materials, and its electricity will be obtained from a wind-power generator.
The carmaker and its 16 group companies plan to spend 4 billion yen on the project, the largest amount among private-sector participants. Other private-sector participants include Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai), Hitachi Ltd. and the Federation of Electric Power Companies.
The 2005 World Exposition, under the theme of "Nature's Wisdom," will be held from March 25 to Sept. 25 in eastern Aichi Prefecture.