Bees fly without colliding into objects, so why can't drivers avoid collisions? Nissan Motors researchers at the company's Advanced Technology Center are working on a system that draws to reduce the number of collisions for automobile operators. The researchers used biomimetic technology, which helps develop synthetic systems based on biological mechanisms, in the BR23C system to create a personal buffer zone -- similar to those of bees -- around its vehicles. The BR23C is among many technologies in Nissan's "Safety Shield" concept that the manufacturer hopes will halve the number of auto accident fatalities and serious injury by 2015.

India's mini-export

Costing about $2,500, Tata Motors' Nano is aimed at consumers who might not be willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars for a typical car. The is scheduled to be available in late 2008 with a diminutive design that rivals other mini-mobiles such as the Volkswagen Beetle and BMW Mini Cooper. It measures a bit more then 10 feet in length and is 5 feet high and wide, according to Tata Motors. The car is powered by a 623cc two-cylinder petrol engine and can reach speeds of about 65 mph, getting about 50 miles to the gallon.

Two-wheeling on Toyota's Winglet

Step aside Segway, here comes the . Toyota in August introduced the world to its version of the personal transportation vehicle. Currently in a practical testing and usability process, the vehicle rivals Microsoft's Segway and comes in three models: S, M and L. The vehicle consists of a body that houses an electric motor, two wheels and internal sensors that monitor the user's position and make adjustments in power to ensure stability. A parallel link mechanism allows the rider to go forward, backward and turn by shifting body weight, Toyota says. Riders can reach speeds of 6 mph after fully charging the Winglet for an hour.