TOKYO -- Suzuki Motor Corp. will spotlight what it calls its "unparalleled expertise" in small cars at the Tokyo Motor Show in late November and early December with two new tiny concept cars and the world premiere of a Swift electric vehicle with a range-extending engine like that of the Chevrolet Volt.
The so-called Swift EV Hybrid concept is based on the Japan-made Swift small car, which was once planned for the United States, but put on hold because of the yen's profit-eating appreciation.
The Regina weighs only 1,609 pounds and achieves 75 mpg under Japanese testing cycles.
The car runs like an EV for daily commutes of as many as 11.2 miles. But when the battery wears down, a gasoline-powered engine generator kicks in to recharge it.
The Swift EV Hybrid follows the Swift Plug-in Hybrid concept that debuted in 2009 and comes as Suzuki seeks a market entry with an electrified drivetrain.
Suzuki had hoped to tap its partnership with Volkswagen AG for help with hybrids. But that cooperation is in danger with Suzuki saying it wants to end the tie-up. That leaves Suzuki as the only one of Japan's big seven automakers without solid plans to launch a hybrid or an electric vehicle.
Suzuki also plans to debut two minicars underscoring its vision of "small cars for a big future."
The first embodies its concept for the next-generation global small car. Dubbed the Regina, it weighs only 1,609 pounds and achieves 75 mpg under Japanese testing cycles.
Suzuki says the Q-concept is positioned between a motorcycle and an automobile and is targeted at short urban commutes.
The other is a bubble-shaped two-seater called the Q-concept. Suzuki says the vehicle is positioned between a motorcycle and an automobile and is targeted at short urban commutes.
Press days for the Tokyo Motor Show are Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
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