NAGOYA -- Toyota Motor is giving people in the heart of Tokyo a chance to test-drive the future.
The Japanese automaker said Monday it will open a showroom April 17 for the Mirai fuel cell vehicle. Every Friday, people will have an opportunity to drive one around the block.
The showroom will be in Tokyo's Minato Ward in the same building as a hydrogen fuel station operated by gas and energy company Iwatani. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was on hand Monday for the opening ceremony for that hydrogen station, where he said Japan "would step on the accelerator to bring about the hydrogen revolution."
Toyota's new two-story showroom will give people an opportunity to see an actual Mirai fuel-cell vehicle, as well as watch videos about the car's concept and about hydrogen fuel. And those that register online will be able to take a separate test drive vehicle for a spin.
Toyota began selling the hydrogen Mirai in December 2014, and the number of orders is believed to have reached 2,500, mainly from government agencies, businesses and wealthy individuals. The automaker expects to produce around 700 units in 2015, so delivery of the ordered cars will take several years.
(Nikkei)
