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Adorable Choimobi New Mobility Concept at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show

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The future of $12 car rentals is now at the Tokyo Motor Show

Nissan Choimobi New Mobility Concept

Choimobi New Mobility Concept at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show

Here on the floor of the Tokyo Motor Show, the Nissan Choimobi exhibit, with the unconventionally bubbly ‘New Mobility Concept’ car, is getting a lot of double-takes. Opinions on the design are still divided years after the car was first unveiled… you either love it or you hate it. Personally, I think it’s the same cuteness threat-level as sushi, pug puppies, and Hello Kitty: Japanese adorable.

Last month, Nissan fully launched the car sharing idea of ‘Choimobi’ in Yokohama, Japan. Since then, neighbors have been zipping by in New Mobility Concept vehicles throughout the city. The New Mobility Concept is an ultra-compact electric vehicle. This two-person buggy offers zero emissions and speeds of up to 50 miles-per-hour with a supercharged cute factor.

Yokohama City resident, Kanako Sahashi, the first to experience Nissan’s new car sharing concept said, “As Choimobi is compact, it looks easy to drive. It’s also good that it’s a one-way service and I can choose where to get off as there are many stations. We have lots of interesting places and events in Yokohama but when it’s a bit far to get to a place on foot, Choimobi is very useful. With Choimobi, I can enjoy the city much more.”

Nissan began testing the New Mobility cars with suburban mothers in Japan. There are currently 30 New Mobility cars offering $12 per hour rides to residents, but Nissan has plans to expand the program to 100 cars in about 70 locations in a year’s time. So far, the New Mobility cars have brought tourism to Yokohama, as curious day trippers seek a futuristic ride.

What if you could drive the adorable Choimobi future, today?

More from the Tokyo Motor Show…