Tokyo news: Honda's Hello
Honda proudly proclaims over 23 million customers for all its various products and is using its Tokyo stand to look at some new ideas.
What's all the fuss about?
Everything from bipedal assistance, one-wheel mobility, two-wheel mobility and four-wheel mobility as well as garden machinery and more are on show on Honda's stand in Tokyo. If it's got an engine, Honda builds it - and the maker's future-looking kit is as fascinating, if not more so, than the cars it's got on its stand.
Anything that stands out?
Any press conference where a robot introduces the first speaker is going to be interesting. Asimo, Honda's pet project, did exactly that before Honda's boss went on to discuss some of the brilliant technology the firm is showing on its stand. It's all gathered under Honda's HELLO (Honda ELectric mobility LOop), which encompasses everything from a mobility scooter to an electric version of the world-mobilising Cub scooter. The U3-X is the real star though: this one-wheel personal mobility device is the sort of stuff you see in science fiction films.
When can I buy one?
Not yet, but rest assured Honda's boffins are working on more than mere cars for the future. There were some pretty convincing looking bionic style legs that could help those with mobility issues, a mobility scooter, that super-cool U3-X and the very smart looking EV Cub. Along with its fuel-cell vehicles like the FCX Clarity and hybrid machines - and not forgetting the amazing Asimo robot - Honda is a company that is looking at more than just the car as a means of future transportation.
