The Pivo 2--a ball-shaped Nissan concept car being shown at the Tokyo auto show later this month--can squeeze into tight spots without backing up because its wheels turn 90 degrees and the cabin part
of the car turns full circle. The three-seat ecological commuter car is fully working but too expensive to go on commercial sale yet, according to Nissan officials.
In a demonstration
today, the concept car rolled up next to a tiny parking space, turned its wheels at an angle, then scooted into the space. The top part of the car--the name is inspired by the word "pivot"--swivels
360 degrees, independent of the wheels, so drivers can turn to face whichever direction they want.
A bobbing mechanical head near the steering wheel speaks in a cute electronic voice
to provide companionship. It can detect the driver's mood by analyzing changes in facial expressions, and says things like, "Relax, don't worry," if the driver seems upset. Pivo 2 can be recharged by
plugging a cable into a regular home socket and travels 78 miles on a single charge, according to Nissan.
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