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Chrysler to Show Japanese-Themed Akino Concept at Tokyo Motor Show

Chrysler to Debut Zen-Lounge on Wheels

Of all North American brands that are sold across the world, Chrysler is the brightest shining beacon of art-deco America. Its latest products are smart, advanced, and deliciously retro, a reflection of the 1930s Airflow, and the landmark Chrysler Building in New York City. Its latest creation, the Akino Concept, takes Chryslers truly unique current styling theme into uncharted territory thats sure to have more than a few brows furrowed.

For the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, Chrysler will emanate a new kind of presence for the pan-Asian market, away from the recently introduced 300 sedan. After bringing over cars that import the

For the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, Chrysler will emanate a new kind of presence for the pan-Asian market. (Artists Rendering: DaimlerChrysler)

statement "American Dream Machine" to the heart of Japan, Chrysler has decided to put together an interpretation of the modern Japanese city car, influenced by its own rich history.

As with many Honda, Toyota and Nissan urban-centric concepts, the Chrysler Akino is a miniscule, one-box vehicle. The purpose of the Akino is to provide a mobile sanctuary, sort of a personal, private space where up to five people can hide away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. This is the reason

As with many Honda, Toyota and Nissan urban-centric concepts, the Chrysler Akino is a miniscule, one-box vehicle. (Artists Rendering: DaimlerChrysler)

for some of its slightly abstract features inside and out, such as texture-coated rear privacy glass, bamboo flooring, a throw rug, lighting sconces and even throw pillows. Car or portable Zen lounge? You decide.

On the outside, the Akino takes many of Chryslers most distinctive traits and integrates them into an unfamiliar shape, with virtually nonexistent overhangs. Its amorphous nose is adorned with the big-chrome, big-metal Chrysler egg-crate grille, and angular headlamps. Other than a few minor items, such as ornamental fins on the hatch lid and winged logo on the top corner of the doors, theres little styling shared with other Chryslers. Distinctively pointed slivers form tail lamps, bumper edges and the

And if you were wondering a little bit more about the concepts name, it pays tribute to the interior and exterior designer, Akino Tsuchiya, a 37-year-old native to Japan, who penned it. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

side cladding.
And if you were wondering a little bit more about the concepts name, it pays tribute to the interior and exterior designer, Akino Tsuchiya, a 37-year-old native to Japan, who penned it. While a Japanese stylist designed the car specifically for a Japanese motor show, work on the car was centralized at DaimlerChryslers Pacifica Advanced Design Center, located in Carlsbad, California.

Tokyo has previously brought out some unseen sides of DaimlerChrysler; at the last event Jeep unveiled the rather odd Treo, a mind-bending exercise of styling that knocked traditional Jeep enthusiasts right off their feet. While theres no official intent to produce such vehicles, from the new "port-a-home" to the winged, electrically-powered three-seat off-roader, DaimlerChrysler is establishing a specialty-catered, off-beat presence in Asia, and with concepts like these, their intent definitely wont go unnoticed.

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