Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2009

NISSAN

Here’s just the thing for getting out of traffic jams: Nissan’s Land Glider–or the Lean Machine, as it’s affectionately known. This electric two-seat concept car could pass for a motorcycle, both in its compactness and the way it handles. Individual electric motors positioned above the axles allow the cocoon-like vehicle to tilt up to 17 degrees as it goes around corners. At 110cm wide and 310cm long, this baby will give you no difficulty when parking. Not recommended for sumo-sized drivers.

While we’re on the subject of Nissan, the automaker’s Fairlady Z sports car recently picked up the Most Fun Award at the Car of the Year Japan 2009-2010 ceremony. The grand prize of Japan Car of the Year went (unsurprisingly) to Toyota’s Prius hybrid, while Volkswagen AG’s Golf five-door hatchback got the nod for Import Car of the Year. The awards are decided by a committee of some 60 car experts.