Toyota, the world’s second-biggest automaker, and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. are using carbon fiber and aluminum in experimental vehicles as they develop lightweight cars with high gasoline mileage to win sales.
The 1/X concept hybrid car, which weighs 67 percent less than Toyota’s Prius model because of a carbon-fiber body, will be unveiled at this week’s Tokyo Motor Show. The 1/X could travel 92 miles on a gallon of fuel. Mitsubishi plans to introduce its i-MiEV Sport, an electric concept car with an aluminum suspension and frame that weighs 265 pounds less than if it were made with steel.
Crude oil has surged 42 percent to almost $86 a barrel this year, with U.S. gasoline prices reaching $3.23 a gallon. While sales of pickups and sport utility vehicles tumbled, lighter vehicles helped Toyota gain customers in the U.S. at the expense of Ford and General Motors, the largest carmaker.
Bloomberg News
