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It is being shown in Australia in advance of next year’s Expo 2005 at Aichi in Nagoya where it will be one of the main features of the giant exhibition.

The futuristic looking pod-type vehicle is far from an oddity.

It showcases some advances in technology which could well end up in mass production.

Entry to the PM is by face-recognition biometric technology which not only authenticates the driver but also automatically adjusts the seat and controls.

The PM can automatically vary in length by almost a full metre depending on whether it is being used at low speed around the city or at higher speed on the highway.

PM can turn its rear wheels in opposite directions so the car can rotate on the spot to fit easily into narrow parking spaces.

Advanced telematics – a development of Toyota Link fitted to the latest Camry - mean that PMs can find and navigate towards each other.

Electronics mean PMs can travel in mobile groups, led by the car in front while the others are on auto-pilot.

The PM’s cabin moves to a vertical position to allow ease of entry and exit.

The cabin is separate from the chassis, so it can then lie in a semi-prone position for higher speed operation.

The driver controls the vehicle with two grip-type joy sticks through drive-by-wire technology.

A space-interface instrument panel alloys the driver to choose which information should be displayed, including a GPS which locates other PMs.

External LED lights around the vehicle illuminate in accordance with different emotions and situations.

The LEDs change colour to express different emotions.

“PM aims to function as an extension of the individual with capabilities designed to simulate a life form,” Toyota’s executive director sales and marketing Dave Buttner said.

“Some of its features stretch the imagination, but each is indicative of a really thoughtful view of the future of motoring, and especially of the car’s interaction with society.”