Honda’s Skydeck: A two-abreast hybrid minivan with room for six. (Honda photo)

Given the worldwide recession, it’s not surprising that the Tokyo Motor Show, on now, is playing host to very few non-Japanese manufacturers. Auto shows are an extravagance, and Japan is a long way away. But despite that, it’s still one of the greenest auto shows in recent memory. Everybody’s showing off electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars.

One of the most interesting vehicles on display is a new and bigger-than-Prius hybrid from Toyota, the Sai. And like the Prius, it’s a ground-up design not based on a previously released platform. The car, which gets a stellar 54 mpg, goes on sale in Japan in December, and Toyota expects to sell 3,000 a month. It’s unlikely it will come to the U.S. anytime soon.

Toyota has a good start in hybridizing its entire product lineup. A month ago, it announced a hybrid version of the Auris, a Corolla-sized car not sold in the U.S. With a version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy drivetrain, it promises not only fuel economy in the mid-70s but carbon dioxide emissions under 100 grams per kilometer.

Nissan showed off — or at least discussed — four new electrics in a floor speech by CEO Carlos Ghosn. The forthcoming Nissan Leaf battery EV, to be sold in major markets beginning at the end of next year, was front and center, of course (though the car on display was a non-running glider). The Leaf starts a national U.S. tour next month. An intriguing announcement in Tokyo was a luxury four-seat Infiniti battery car, doubtless drawing heavily on the Leaf. No date or target markets were specified. Infiniti spokesman Kyle Bazemore said the car would have a performance edge.

Source:Is the Tokyo Motor Show a Green Car Lover's Dream?