Latest EVs, innovations displayed at Tokyo auto show
TOKYO — Practicality took centre stage at the Tokyo auto show, where many Japanese automakers showcased their latest electric vehicles (EVs) set for release in the coming years as they race to catch up with overseas rivals and make environmentally friendly options more accessible to domestic consumers.
A record-high 500-plus companies and organisations are participating in this year’s Japan Mobility Show, which opened to the media on Wednesday for a two-day preview, encouraging visitors to envision the future of transportation. The event will be open to the public through Nov 9.
Toyota Motor Corp unveiled an orange coupe concept version of its ultra-luxury Century at the event, positioning the model as a standalone brand alongside Lexus and its GR sports cars.
“I believe the Century brand was born out of Japanese pride,” Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda said. “The phoenix, the Century emblem, only appears in times of peace. I believe the brand is built on our hope for world peace and the challenge of forging the next 100 years.”
The world’s largest automaker by volume also showcased a new concept model of the Corolla, while the Lexus brand unveiled its new six-wheel vehicle.
Toyota Motor Corp President Koji Sato speaks on a Japan Mobility Show stage at the Tokyo Big Sight convention centre in the capital on Wednesday. (Photo: Kyodo)
“Everyone has a love for the earth and wants to ride a cool car. Be it a battery EV, hybrid, or engine, we want to create cars that people will want to ride,” said President and CEO Koji Sato.
Toyota recently announced it will jointly develop cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co, aiming to launch EVs powered by the next-generation batteries between 2027 and 2028.
It also reported on Monday a record high in global sales for the first half of the year, driven by robust demand for hybrids in North America and China, despite fierce competition in China, where the electric SUV bZ3X was introduced.
Honda Motor Co will showcase its Super-One Prototype, a mini-EV set to launch first in Japan in 2026 before expanding to Britain and other Asian markets.
The automaker will also display a “sustainable rocket” used in a test launch in Hokkaido in June. Measuring 6.3 metres long and weighing 900 kilogrammes when empty, the reusable rocket uses renewable fuel.
Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe speaks during a press day of the Japan Mobility Show 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday. (Photo: Reuters)
At Nissan Motor Co’s booth, visitors can see the new Elgrand minivan, a staple in Japan for nearly 30 years, which will feature the company’s third-generation e-Power technology and go on sale in fiscal 2026.
The automaker will also showcase the new Leaf EV, a third-generation model released in Japan on Oct 17, which can travel 702 kilometres on a single charge.
Nissan’s CEO Ivan Espinosa poses for a photo in front of the new Nissan Elgrand during its unveiling, at a press day of the Japan Mobility Show 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday. (Photo: Reuters)
Chinese EV giant BYD (Build Your Dreams) Co will exhibit a prototype of its EV featuring its newest blade batteries, a type of lithium-iron-phosphate battery known for being safer and longer lasting, while South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Co will take part in the mobility show for the first time.
Japanese automakers are pushing toward EVs even though EVs made up just around 1.6% of new car sales in Japan in 2024, according to data from the Japan Automobile Dealers Association and the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association, with around 40% of those being imported vehicles.
Although the global adoption of EVs has slowed down overall, some domestic automakers have targeted customers looking to replace their current vehicles, especially minicars, which account for around 40% of all domestic car purchases in Japan.
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Source – Bangkok News
