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With the gloom of the credit crunch hanging over it North America's motor industry will be putting on a brave face this week for the launch of the 21st North American International Auto Show.
The first of the year's international motor shows and, perhaps, one of the most important, the week-long Detroit extravaganza promises 45 vehicle debuts 'and counting' and more than 700,000 people are expected through the doors.
One of those exhibiting will be the Toyota Motor Corporation which has said it will introduce an all-new battery-powered concept car at the motor show.
The small concept electric car, according to Toyota officials, is based on a subcompact car the Japanese automaker hopes to begin marketing in a few years.
Responding to consumer concerns about volatile energy prices and government regulations to curb greenhouse gas emissions, Toyota wants to produce a small 'city car' with a limited driving range but with an affordable price tag of about $20,000 (BD7.658), analysts say.
Though Toyota has officially said little about the new vehicle, insiders say it has been engineered for short-range driving such as brief commutes, everyday shopping and other errands and will not be aimed at motorists in need of long-distance transportation.
For more versatility, Toyota is developing a extended range eco-friendly vehicle, an electric car with a small gasoline engine on board to charge its battery when it runs dry. That vehicle is scheduled to be introduced late this year.
In addition to the concept car, Toyota also will unveil an all-new Prius hybrid at the auto show.
