Electrical storm in Detroit

This trio may look like they've escaped from an episode of the Telly Tubbies, but they are all concept cars at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The three electrically-powered oddballs are the work of Li Guangming, whose dream is to come up with an iconic car for China.

He's certainly making bold steps with the interestingly named Tang Hua Book of Songs, Piece of Cloud and Detroit Fish trio. The Detroit Fish is an amphibious four-seater that looks like two spheres joined together and uses a 3.5kW electric motor for a range of 90 miles and a 28mph top speed.

The Tang Hua Book of Songs is much like a two-seater version of the Detroit Fish, though without the four-seater's water-borne ability, and much the same size as an electric golf buggy. Aimed more at the sporting coupé buyer, the Piece of Cloud is a swoopily styled two-seater with enclosed cabin.

The cars' designer says: "The future must point to the electric vehicle field and these cars have the Chinese spirit in their design."

Alisdair Suttie