Japan's 1st hybrid tourism train

Japan's 1st hybrid tourism train

TOKYO, Japan - People pose near the HB-E300 hybrid train of East Japan Railway Co. during a public opening event at JR Ueno Station in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2010. The company, more widely called JR East, plans to run the HB-E300, the first sightseeing train in Japan equipped with a hybrid system, in Nagano Prefecture from Oct. 2 to Dec. 26.

Mazda begins road tests for world's 1st hydrogen hybrid vehicle

Mazda begins road tests for world's 1st hydrogen hybrid vehicle

HIROSHIMA, Japan - Mazda Motor Corp. unveils the company's Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid minivan, the world's first hydrogen hybrid vehicle, in Hiroshima on June 20. Mazda has started public-road tests for the minivan, which is equipped with a dual-fuel system that enables it to run on either hydrogen or gasoline.

World's 1st commercial hybrid-train operations begin in Japan

World's 1st commercial hybrid-train operations begin in Japan

NAGANO, Japan - A ceremony to mark the start of operations of the world's first commercial hybrid train is held at JA Nakagomi station in Saku, Nagano Prefecture, on July 31. The electric motor-diesel engine hybrid train emits much less air pollution than non-hybrid trains because it relies on a propulsion system combining a motor powered by rechargeable batteries and a diesel engine. The batteries are charged whenever the brakes are applied.

Lexus hybrid flagship sedans launched in Japan ahead of overseas

Lexus hybrid flagship sedans launched in Japan ahead of overseas

TOKYO, Japan - Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuaki Watanabe sits in the LS600h, the company's Lexus premium brand car, during a press conference at a hotel in Tokyo on May 17. The LS600h and LS600hL, in either standard or long wheelbases, feature the world's first hybrid system, combining a newly developed 5-liter V-8 engine and a high output motor with a full-time all-wheel-drive system.

Lexus hybrid flagship sedans launched in Japan ahead of overseas

Lexus hybrid flagship sedans launched in Japan ahead of overseas

TOKYO, Japan - Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuaki Watanabe poses with the LS600h, the company's Lexus premium brand car, during a press conference at a hotel in Tokyo on May 17. The LS600h and LS600hL, in either standard or long wheelbases, feature the world's first hybrid system, combining a newly developed 5-liter V-8 engine and a high output motor with a full-time all-wheel-drive system.

Toyota releases new hybrid minivan Estima Hybrid

Toyota releases new hybrid minivan Estima Hybrid

TOKYO, Japan - Toyota Motor Corp. President Fujio Cho stands by the Estima Hybrid, the world's first mass-produced hybrid minivan, which went on sale on June 15. The four-wheel-drive minivan, with a hybrid system combining an electric motor and conventional gas engine, offers stability, fuel economy and environmental compatibility. The eight-seater Estima Hybrid costs 3.35 million yen, while the G Selection model with options is 3.60 million yen.

Lexus hybrid flagship sedans launched in Japan ahead of overseas

Lexus hybrid flagship sedans launched in Japan ahead of overseas

TOKYO, Japan - Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuaki Watanabe sits in the LS600h, the company's Lexus premium brand car, during a press conference at a hotel in Tokyo on May 17. The LS600h and LS600hL, in either standard or long wheelbases, feature the world's first hybrid system, combining a newly developed 5-liter V-8 engine and a high output motor with a full-time all-wheel-drive system. (Kyodo)

Lexus hybrid flagship sedans launched in Japan ahead of overseas

Lexus hybrid flagship sedans launched in Japan ahead of overseas

TOKYO, Japan - Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuaki Watanabe poses with the LS600h, the company's Lexus premium brand car, during a press conference at a hotel in Tokyo on May 17. The LS600h and LS600hL, in either standard or long wheelbases, feature the world's first hybrid system, combining a newly developed 5-liter V-8 engine and a high output motor with a full-time all-wheel-drive system. (Kyodo)

World's 1st commercial hybrid-train operations begin in Japan

World's 1st commercial hybrid-train operations begin in Japan

NAGANO, Japan - A ceremony to mark the start of operations of the world's first commercial hybrid train is held at JA Nakagomi station in Saku, Nagano Prefecture, on July 31. The electric motor-diesel engine hybrid train emits much less air pollution than non-hybrid trains because it relies on a propulsion system combining a motor powered by rechargeable batteries and a diesel engine. The batteries are charged whenever the brakes are applied. (Kyodo)

Mazda begins road tests for world's 1st hydrogen hybrid vehicle

Mazda begins road tests for world's 1st hydrogen hybrid vehicle

HIROSHIMA, Japan - Mazda Motor Corp. unveils the company's Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid minivan, the world's first hydrogen hybrid vehicle, in Hiroshima on June 20. Mazda has started public-road tests for the minivan, which is equipped with a dual-fuel system that enables it to run on either hydrogen or gasoline. (Kyodo)

Japan's 1st hybrid tourism train

Japan's 1st hybrid tourism train

TOKYO, Japan - People pose near the HB-E300 hybrid train of East Japan Railway Co. during a public opening event at JR Ueno Station in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2010. The company, more widely called JR East, plans to run the HB-E300, the first sightseeing train in Japan equipped with a hybrid system, in Nagano Prefecture from Oct. 2 to Dec. 26. (Kyodo)