This year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is nearly upon us, and while students will be enjoying the education day, Toyota also has some big plans for their 30,000 square foot exhibit throughout the entire event which will be focused on future concepts and two particularly exciting new vehicles.

If you happen to visit the show on January 10, you can catch the first glimpse at the NS4 which is a plug-in hybrid concept car.  Seeing how many new charging stations have been going in around Michigan thanks to a stimulus grant, the concept should sit quite well for those who live in the Michigan area.

The second debut will be Toyota’s latest edition to the Prius family of vehicles which will be available to consumers sometime in 2012.  What’s the latest edition called? It’s going to be dubbed the Prius C, conveniently located in the “Prius Family Zone” at this year’s show.

Toyota NAIAS Technology Zone

Toyota’s focus on future technology will be evident with a pair of future-inspired vehicles located in the “Technology Zone” of their exhibit and will be recognized under the names: FCV-R and Fun-Vii.  The FCV-R operates on fuel cells and is one of Toyota’s latest concepts.  Switching to the Fun-Vii, it is integrated with internet capabilities and reacts with the environment and roadways.  Vii conveniently stands for “Vehicle, Interactive, Internet.”

Showing that they are technology forward, Toyota has replaced your typical window pricing sticker with an Apple iPad to display pricing and options for each of their vehicles on display. We’re sure Apple doesn’t mind the extra publicity and exposure; and it provides a fantastic user experience for the guests.

Toyota will reportedly have a total of thirty vehicles on display ranging from cars, trucks and SUVs all available for on-looking and exploring.  You will even be able to check out the custom specialty vehicles like the pace car for the 2012 Daytona 500, or even the DC laden Toyota Tundra. If you enjoy interacting more than looking, you can also check out their safety simulator which highlights Toyota’s Star Safety System.

This year’s event looks to be even better than the last, and Toyota is once again showing their dominance in the electric/hybrid market, and their overall stance on the future of automotive technology with their Prius family and beyond.