Best Environmental Concept Car Of The Year Award For Suzuki
Published: 1st February 2002
The award winners were chosen by a panel of judges made up of some of the top vehicle designers and motoring journalists from Japan, the United States and Europe. They selected seventeen concept cars that have appeared at international motor shows during the past 15 months and, after final judging, the Covie was voted Best Environmental Concept Car.
Compact And Practical Design
First shown at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, the Covie is a compact electric
vehicle, full of fun and technological ideas and has been designed as
a short distance transportation vehicle. The innovative design provides
the maximum amount of usable interior space available while keeping the
exterior dimensions to a minimum.
Wide, rear opening doors allow for easy access to the interior. A large trunk box can be attached to the rear for extra load carrying capacity or, for the golf enthusiast, a golf bag attachment can also be fitted to the rear deck area.
Power is provided by Suzuki's compact EV unit which uses the 'Home Fuel Generating System' - developed by General Motors Corporation. This system separates hydrogen from the household gas supply which is then used as 'fuel' for the Covie.
Future Technology
Covie has been fitted with an Advanced Navigation System which is designed to provide a link between the driver, the vehicle and their home and electrical appliances.
This technology incorporates the latest in route planning technology as well as an electronic link to the drivers home. As well as keeping the driver updated with the best route and potential traffic problems, the system also allows them to remotely operate household electrical items and equipment while still in the vehicle. This would enable the Covie driver to switch on their house lights, turn on the heating and start the kettle boiling while still travelling home.
Although extremely futuristic in looks and specification, the Suzuki Covie demonstrates Suzuki's commitment to developing practical and versatile vehicles that make maximum use of modern technologies while still retaining consideration for the environment and other road users.
It is this commitment that has resulted in the development of the Covie
and is now recognised by a panel of top professionals with the presentation
of the Best Environmental Concept Car of the Year award.
