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 It seems a bit odd to display this Commander 2 concept since it's already fairly old, it had its debut in October 2000. Still, both Jeep and its parent DaimlerChrysler concern had good reasons for that. First and probably least important reason was the fact that Jeep was gearing up to introduce a new production model named Commander in 2005, and this was a good way to familiarize future customers with the name. Unfortunately the new production Commander doesn't look anything like this concept, it's far more boxy and old-fashioned looking.
Second and more interesting reason was that it is a "zero emission vehicle" (ZEV) which uses hydrogen as a fuel. With the rising prices for petrol alternative power sources are becoming more popular by the hour and DaimlerChrysler already has a long development history using hydrogen as a fuel, which is starting to pay off albeit in publicity only for now.
The Commander 2 was introduced at the time as the successor to the NECAR (New Electric Car) range of experimental vehicles, which started with the NECAR 1 in 1994. It was meant to show two things: an environmentally friendly SUV and that DaimlerChrysler's ZEV-technology was ready for fitting in luxury cars.
 The road that DaimlerChrysler has taken with their hydrogen technology is quite different from that of BMW shown on the previous page. In essence this is an electric vehicle and there's no combustion engine.
This car is filled up with methanol which is reduced to hydrogen by a reformer in the car; the chemical reaction of the hydrogen with oxygen in the fuel-cell produces electricity which is used to power the dual electric motors (2x 82 kW) in front and rear and to charge advanced batteries. The emissions are practically limited to carbonoxides and water, which are non-polluting. It uses about 20 litres of methanol for each 100 km.
This powertrain weighs considerably more than a standard petrol equivalent and is less efficient. The engineers at Jeep compensated for this by making the body of the Commander 2 extremely light-weight. A new molding technology was used for the body: injection molded plastic. This plastic body weighs about 50% less than a traditional steel body, is far cheaper to produce and the injection molding results in a very smooth and glossy surface.
The Commander 2 is an interesting concept and after 5 years still very up-to-date. Its hybrid fuel-cell and battery power technology doesn't match up yet against traditional petrol power in cost and efficiency and it is unlikely that Jeep customers would accept plastic bodies on their cars at the moment but this might change in the very near future. This really is a concept which was very much ahead of its time, as a concept is supposed to be.
 The year 2005 proved to be a very dark one for the British MG-Rover company. Only a few months after the AutoRAI show the receivers had to be called in since the company could no longer meet its financial obligations. It's a pity to loose a manufacturer with such a long tradition and great plans for the future.
One of these plans was this MG GT. It was introduced at the end of 2004 as a possible sister car to the MG TF roadster. The mid-engined TF roadster has proven to be a popular car and MG-Rover looked for ways to expand on that.
Peter Stevens designed this fixed head version of the TF and positioned it a bit more upmarket. It has a luxurious red leather interior, airconditioning and electronic opening doors instead of door handles.
 Of course the outside of the GT concept is even more important than its interior. The GT features a low, sleek shape which has a reduced drag compared to the TF. This is further enhanced by its front aero splitter and rear spoiler integrated in the bootlid.
Also the power has been upgraded. Instead of the TF's 4-cylinder a 2,5-litre V6 from Renault has been fitted behind the seats. This unit produces 200 hp, which is good for rendering this car a top speed of about 230 kph and a 0-100 kph acceleration in just over 6 seconds.
The GT concept is a good looking, compact 2-seater which could have attracted a good number of additional customers to MG-Rover. It has less of a feminine appearance than the TF and the 17" OZ alloy wheels give it a fair bit of "street credibility", as do its twin exhausts in the rear spoiler. The Mercedes-like indicators in the door mirrors are less convincing but on the whole, given an equally attractive price, a very tempting offer for the younger male sportscar buyer. Sort of a Honda CRX replacement.
Unfortunately it wasn't to be.
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