TOKYO – Mobility is in the air this year at Tokyo. No longer is the famed auto show called “Tokyo Motor Show.” This year, the event has been rebranded “Japan Mobility Show.” In keeping with this, automakers are rolling out, not just traditional automobiles, but various modes of four and two-wheeled road vehicles, and even personal transport devices.
Honda’s booth will be themed as the “Dream Loop.” Visitors can create their own visions of mobility, with AI assistance, natch. Various future products will be peppered throughout the booth.
Honda will be revealing its vision for a driverless, car-sharing future. The Cruise Origin is a driverless van that seats six in a face-to-face layout, in a compact footprint. This is possible because, without the driver, nearly the entire cabin is devoted to passenger space. The Cruise Origin, jointly developed with GM, will be deployed in central Tokyo as a ride-hailing service in 2026. Dozens, then up to 500 Cruise Origins will be zipping about Tokyo soon.
Honda’s electrification drive will advance with the new Prologue battery-electric SUV. The all-electric Prologue will feature 480-km range on a full charge. Prologue will be built on a new electric vehicle platform. Multi-link front and rear suspension aims to deliver a sporty driving experience. Single-motor (front-wheel drive) and dual-motor (all-wheel drive) will be available. 288hp and 451N-m bode well for the Prologue’s performance.
Widely anticipated is Honda’s “Specialty Sports Concept,” to be revealed soon. Honda will be also launching ten or more electric motorcycle models by 2025. This will include the Benly e, already available in Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, and the three-wheeled Gyro e, and EM1 e.
Toyota will be showing off its version of the future of the automobile at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. Among Toyota’s display highlights will be an electric Land Cruiser, an electric midsize pickup, and a pair of personal mobility concepts (electric too, natch). Toyota will even display an all-new cockpit control system that combines automotive and motorcycle- type controls, and to top it all off: A moon rover.
First up is the new Land Cruiser Se. This will be a way to address the Land Cruiser’s biggest failure: its gas- (or diesel-) guzzling powertrain. Instead of a large internal combustion engine, the Land Cruiser Se will have a battery-electric system designed to quickly haul the large SUV around. Land Cruiser Se has a substantial footprint at 5150mm long x 1990mm wide, probably providing ample space for its seven passengers. The large SUV will be built on a monocoque platform suitably engineered to be capable of heavy off-roading, as befits the Land Cruiser nameplate.
Following on the silent trail of the LC is a new battery-electric pickup truck. The midsize pickup will be just over 5 meters long, at 5070mm, and 1910mm wide. The EPU pickup will have a lengthy 3350-mm wheelbase and will feature a low-center gravity made possible by its electric powertrain. From the great outdoors, Toyota will focus on personal mobility for both indoor and outdoor application. The Land Hopper is a three-wheeled electric scooter that features a low seat height and compact body. This makes getting on and off the bike easier. The Land Hopper will also have mechanically-linked front wheels, to reportedly allow for an exhilarating ride different from that of a car or bicycle.
For the disabled, Toyota will roll out the Juu electric wheelchair. The wheelchair features two large powered main wheels. Together with a retractable tail that stabilizes the device, they allow the wheelchair to climb or descent a stairway. Juu can negotiate steps up to 16-cm tall. Automotive-grade components assures the user of the Juu’s reliability and quality.
Then it’s off to the moon, Mars, or beyond. Toyota will be exhibiting its Space Mobility concept, an experimental vehicle that will be a platform for exploring the moon or other planets. The Space Mobility vehicle can climb steep 25-degree slopes and overcome boulders up to 50-cm tall.
Aside from the new vehicle concepts, Toyota will be demonstrating a new way of controlling a car. Forget about boring old steering wheel and pedals. The Neo Steer cockpit concept combines a yoke-type steering wheel with accelerator and brake levers. This allows a driver to operate the vehicle without using pedals, thus freeing up the floor space.
Toyota will also exhibit other vehicles like the Kayoibako concept, an electric vehicle that can be customized for various passenger and cargo applications. The concept truck aims to provide a new type of mobility, perfectly reflecting the new moniker of the auto show: Japan Mobility Show.
Lexus will be focusing on the “electrified experience” as it will launch its next-generation battery-electric vehicle. VR simulators will be at the Lexus booth to allow visitors to experience electrification and AI technology.
Isuzu will be showcasing a heavy-duty truck powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The Giga Fuel Cell truck will be developed by Isuzu and Honda. It will have an 800-km range, with zero emissions. It can also act as a mobile power station for remote locations or disaster areas.
Mitsubishi will be featuring an electrified crossover MPV at Japan Mobility Show. The new vehicle promises the road handling of an SUV with the space and comfort of an MPV. The all-new Triton pickup truck will also debut. It will have a new frame, chassis, body and engine.
