The new Pod Car was revealed at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show by its proud creators, two leaders in different fields: Toyota and Sony.  The Pod’s unique trait lies in its advanced artificial intelligence and its design – it looks like, and strives to be, a helpful friend with a personality all of its own.

The trademark Toyota design is evident in its innovative, amiable style, while Sony’s input can be seen in the car’s electronic gadgetry and reactivity.  It can laugh, frown and cry; it smiles when you approach, turns blue if you have a puncture, go over a bump or run out of fuel.  And if you swerve or brake too sharply, it turns red. It even has ear–shaped sidelights for a human effect.

Its other innovation is steering by joystick, logical for the next generation of drivers who grew up with video games.  Special sensors can even detect increased perspiration and pulse rate; if the driver appears to be stressed, the car will play soothing music and waft cool air into the car.  As a safety measure, the Pod can warn when speed limits are broken or when there’s a danger of ‘tailgating’.  A Toyota model of politeness, it also praises careful and considerate driving too.  Not quite an autopilot, the new Pod is an ideal co–pilot elevating cars from being contraptions to being companions!