Nissan Motor Co Limited on Wednesday unveiled the Pivo 2, an advanced electric concept car, at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Pivo 2 builds on the popularity of the first Pivo, shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Powered by advanced Compact Lithium-ion Batteries and featuring a unique rotating cabin (meaning no reverse gear required), the first Pivo was a cult hit at shows from Beijing to Geneva.

Each of the four wheels can turn through 90 degrees to allow Pivo 2 to drive sideways as well as forward.

Pivo 2 takes the idea of an environmentally-friendly electric urban commuter vehicle and delivers fun, functionality and a unique relationship between the car and driver. The concept car has a functionality called Robotic Agent that lets the driver converse with the car in Japanese and English.

Image: Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan, unveils the Pivo 2 during the press day of the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in Chiba Prefecture, Japan.
Photograph: Junko Kimura/Getty Images