Detroit Auto Show: Toyota Premieres FINE-S Fuel-Cell Concept

    DETROIT, Jan. 7, 2003; Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc.,
today unveiled the FINE-S hydrogen fuel-cell hybrid-electric concept vehicle
at a press conference at the 2003 North American International Auto Show
(NAIAS).
    Developed by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), the FINE-S concept is an
example of Toyota's ongoing commitment to expand technology for
environmentally friendly cars and trucks.  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.
    The FINE-S is representative of the future of fuel-cell vehicles as being
high in styling and high in performance.  With the ability to modularly
install fuel-cell components throughout the vehicle, future fuel-cell vehicles
will be capable of having individual electric power applied to all four
wheels.
    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 that provides ample roominess
and comfort.
    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.

                   TOYOTA FC SPORTS CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS
                             Millimeters          Inches
     Wheelbase                   3000              118.2
     Overall Length              4410              173.8
     Overall Height              1250               49.3
     Overall Width               1870               73.7