The New Popemobile?

It Won't Replace the Hummer













Nissan Motor's concept car 'Pivo' is unveiled in Tokyo. Nissan's 'Pivo' only goes forward -- with a cabin able to revolve 360 degrees, eliminating the need to reverse.(AFP/Kazuhiro Nogi)

It’s an interesting idea, but I’m not really sure it would be that much help in parallel parking. Besides, in my part of South Austin, I suspect this car would be sold under the model name “Nissan Speed Bump.” And does the passenger capsule remind anybody else of the EVA pods in 2001 – A Space Odyssey? It just needs those little manipulator arms. “Open the pod bay doors, HAL.”

I have a marvelous mental image of the thing having an accident, the cab coming loose, and rolling down the street like a bowling ball – or a pin ball.