Toyota hybrid prototype.

By a Forkliftaction.com reader in Tokyo

Logis-Tech Tokyo, held from September 12 to September 15, at the Tokyo International Exhibition Centre, is the largest materials handling exhibition outside the US and Europe.

Although the biennial exhibition is Asia's largest, the only overseas forklift OEMs that exhibited were Chinese. Their main products are Class 3 forklifts or pallet trucks.

The fuel cell-powered Nissan forklift.

Visitors to Logis-Tech Tokyo 2006 observed future technologies, including hybrid and fuel-cell forklift applications. Toyota exhibited a fuel-cell prototype and parallel type hybrid model. Nissan's showcase fuel-cell model had little explanation but, through a louvre under the driver's seat, a General Hydrogen logo was seen.

Mitsubishi demonstrated a medium-size hybrid model. From its physique, it appeared five tons or more, but the rear wheel size suggested a 3.5 ton model. A Komatsu hybrid prototype appeared close to commercial production since its shape is the same to the new electric series exhibited, not like other concept prototypes.

TCM did not show a hybrid or fuel-cell model, but a giant electric 12-ton prototype with a futuristic appearance.

About 130,000 visitors were expected during the four days and more than 300 exhibitors participated.