January 8, 2003

Toyota shows stylish Fine-S fuel-cell concept

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Detroit, Michigan - Toyota unveiled a sleek hybrid fuel cell vehicle called the FINE-S. Toyota said the futuristic high-performance look of the FINE-S reveals the potential styling versatility for fuel-cell vehicles. The adaptability of the Toyota fuel cell system components make it possible to install the technology in a wide variety of vehicle types, shapes and sizes, based on a shared platform, said Toyota.

The FINE-S features a long wheelbase with very short front- and rear overhangs and a sleek low-to-the-ground aerodynamic design. The low center-of-gravity coupled with an individual wheel torque control system will provide excellent performance handling. Inside, the FINE-S features a spacious cabin with a creative four-seat design.

The unveiling of the FINE-S comes on the heels of the delivery of the first Toyota market-ready zero-emission-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in Japan and the U.S. On December 2, "Toyota FCHV" fuel-cell vehicles were leased to the Japanese government in Tokyo and to the University of California Irvine (UCI) and the University of California, Davis (UCD) in the U.S. The two vehicles delivered in the U.S. are the first of a total of six "Toyota FCHV" fuel-cell vehicles that will be leased to the two UC campuses. The "Toyota FCHV" is based on the popular Highlander five-passenger sport utility vehicle (SUV). Its fuel-cell stack is solely developed and built by Toyota.

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