When the car is put into reverse, the GPS navigator will switch from map to rear-view mode, enabling drivers to view what is below the rear window.

ENGADGET: Wireless Back-Up Camera for the Magellan RoadMate checks your six

As a result, vehicles give drivers more drive time in electric-only mode.

ENGADGET: Ford teams up with Eaton, Whirlpool and SunPower to create MyEnergi Lifestyle, hopes to reduce everyone's CO2 footprint

But a year ago, his boss launched TraBox, a website aimed at brokering deals between drivers and cargo firms, designed for use on NTT DoCoMo's i-mode service.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | Japan's Mobile-Phone Culture