Vintage Russian Aircraft Speedometer Indicator #1 on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen and BYD get cosy

VW and BYD have signed an agreement to work together on developing battery technology (BYD F3DM plug-in Hybrid pictured). Volkswagen has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese car maker and EV specialist BYD to work together “in the area of electric mobility”. Seems sensible.

Toyota Auris Hybrid – Frankfurt debut

The Toyota Auris Hybrid will be at Frankfurt Toyota are calling this the first application of their Hybrid Synergy Drive in a mainstream model. Which makes us wonder if Toyota don’t consider the Prius a mainstream model. They’re also calling this a concept, but we know that Toyota will be producing the Auris Hybrid in the UK next year, so take this as a pretty much production-ready car.

Toyota Ha:Mo – Future City Transport?

Toyota is trialling their vision of future city transport in Toyota City with Ha:Mo using COMS single seat electric cars. With our cities getting ever more congested and pollution a big concern (the NOX and particulates), car makers and local governments are seeking ways to make getting around in a city kinder to the air. London has the ‘Boris Bikes’, but Toyota City – home of Toyota’s biggest factory – is trialling one of Toyota’s visions of future individual transport for our cities – Ha:Mo.