Yamaha MOTIV.e could spawn family

Yamaha’s MOTIV.e was one of the standouts of the recent Tokyo motor show and the pint-sized concept could spawn a whole family of small cars, according to UK’s Autocar magazine, which captured this shot of potential future models presented in a video by Yamaha at the show.

Notable for its iStream production methodology, conceived by the car’s creator – Gordon Murray, who is best known for being the brains behind the McLaren F1 – the MOTIV.e is claimed to be exceptionally efficient and environmentally friendly to build.

The manufacturer claims the iStream process could reduce the size of a car-making plant by up to 80 per cent, as well as significantly reducing the amount of waste produced.

In a nutshell, iStream ditches the production-line assembly method pioneered by Henry Ford and the Model T, replacing it with a process whereby cars are manufactured in a pre-packaged style.

Wiring looms and control units are fixed to pre-painted panels, which are then bonded together in an F1-like sandwich structure, reducing weight while enhancing stiffness and safety.

The key point is that this process is much faster than welding cars together via robots. The other major benefit is that this modular approach enables several different body styles to be built off the same basic package.

“The manufacturing system allows for a longer vehicle, a wider vehicle and many other modifications, without significant additional costs,” Yamaha’s General Manager of Innovation, Masato Suzuki (note the slight irony in that name, given his employer), was quoted as saying.

“The first step is to consider if the reaction is positive enough to put the car into production, but it is my hope and goal that it will be. I am pushing hard for that. After that decision is made, we must consider the body styles.

“Downsizing is a global trend, and this car encapsulates that. The time is right for us to take mobilisation on to four wheels. Everything is under consideration at present. We see an opportunity for us in many different markets around the world.

“Gordon Murray is the perfect partner because he thinks in new ways, and that embodies the Yamaha way,” he said. “We would not enter the car market to build a car in the same way as everyone else. Yamaha does not think like that, and nor does Murray,” Suzuki added.

A video loop played by the company on its stand at the Tokyo show revealed a rendering of a slinky coupe that could ostensibly be built around the same hardware and manufacturing process as that utilised by the MOTIV.e hatchback revealed at the show.

The basic package can be adapted to petrol and electric powertrains, adding to its versatility in the micro-car segment.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...

Don't forget to register to comment on this article.