Tokyo Motor Show Highlights Sustainable Mobility with Fuel-Cell and Electric Vehicles

Strategic Insights -

The 39th Tokyo Motor Show, attended by 240 automakers, component suppliers, and other related firms from 13 countries and one region, highlighted the industry's shift towards sustainable mobility with fuel-cell and electric vehicles. The two-week show, running from October 19 to November 6, featured nearly 600 cars and motorcycles, including 79 models making their global debut and 120 models debuting in Japan. The event showcased cutting-edge technologies, such as fuel-cell vehicles, hybrid electric-gasoline systems, and electric vehicles, in response to growing environmental concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • Toyota Motor Corp. unveiled the Fine-X, a fuel-cell vehicle concept that uses a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen as fuel, emitting only water vapor as waste.
  • Toyota also displayed the Estima minivan, a new line of Lexus luxurious vehicles, and the i-swing, a single-seat vehicle that provides a feeling of "wearability."
  • Nissan Motor Co. showcased the GT-R Proto, a future flagship sports car set to be launched worldwide in 2007, and the Pivo electric vehicle, which can rotate 360 degrees and eliminates worries about backing into tight spaces.
  • Mazda Motor Corp. unveiled the Senku concept sports vehicle featuring an advanced hybrid electric-gasoline system and the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, which runs on gasoline and hydrogen.
  • Honda Motor Co. presented the FCX Concept premium fuel-cell sedan, and Suzuki Motor Corp. unveiled the Ionis minivehicle with a fuel-cell motor.
  • Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. showed its concept hybrid passenger car, the B5-TPH, and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. launched the brand-new sport-utility vehicle, the Outlander.
  • General Motors Corp. displayed the Sequel Concept, a SUV with fuel-cell technology, and stated a target of designing and validating a fuel-cell system by 2010.
  • Ford Motor Co. unveiled the Equator Concept, a SUV that "celebrates the more sporty side of Ford's best-selling small SUV."

Statistics:

  • 240 automakers, component suppliers, and related firms from 13 countries and one region participated in the Tokyo Motor Show.
  • Nearly 600 cars and motorcycles were showcased at the event, with 79 models making their global debut and 120 models debuting in Japan.
  • Toyota Motor Corp. is the world leader in developing environmental vehicle technologies.
  • The Tokyo Motor Show provides a platform for automakers to shift their emphasis from sport utility vehicles and other gas guzzlers to more fuel-efficient cars.
  • U.S. automakers, including General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co., are facing financial difficulties, with top credit-rating agencies downgrading their debt ratings to junk status.

Sources:

  • Kyodo News International
  • Toyota Motor Corp.
  • Nissan Motor Co.
  • Mazda Motor Corp.
  • Honda Motor Co.
  • Suzuki Motor Corp.
  • Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
  • Mitsubishi Motors Corp.
  • General Motors Corp.
  • Ford Motor Co.