A motoring show reenvisioned to be bigger, better and more innovative
The Tokyo Motor Show (TMS) has always been an automotive spectacle of awe and wonder. I have been an automotive journalist for almost two decades, with my last TMS being in 2007, and I have always known it as an biennial affair for four-wheelers and perhaps for two, three and even more as long as they ply our roads.
Now, as I fortunately visited it again in this year’s edition of the show, together with our gracious host, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation and other selected members of the media, prior to our flight to Japan, I instantly noticed something odd about the name I was accustomed to for more than 30 years.
When abbreviated, the letter “T” was replaced with the letter “J.” And the word “Motor” was changed to “Mobility.”
It’s not probably rocket science.
But, for me, the change in name meant organizers were willing to throw out the window decades of tradition for something new, bigger, more innovative and forward-thinking.
From the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba, which I have come to know it to be, the venue for the past ten years or so, has been at the heart of Tokyo in Ariake, Koto City, the Tokyo Big Sight.
True enough, this time around, the Japan Mobility Show was not just about anything that rolled or even crawled on four wheels. There were planes, futuristic robots, flying cars and flying public utility vehicles, so and so forth.
Since it covered more grasp with “Mobility” in mind, it captured a record number of 475 participating companies with their thousands of product displays. Hence, it was a feast for the eyes and probably senses of gearheads, journalists, frequent visitors and the motoring public in general.
Among the countless on display, there were specifically several that caught my eye and tickled my fancy.
Mitsubishi’s Delica of the Future
First off, Mitsubishi Motors unveiled its prototype electric multiple purpose vehicle, the D:X Concept.
Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors, said: “The Mitsubishi D:X Concept is a concept car that brings together the best of Mitsubishi Motors’ technologies – our electrification and all-wheel control technologies in particular – with a view to realizing a carbon-neutral society.”
In addition to this, the Japanese carmaker also launched the all-new Mitsubishi Triton, which will arrive in our country this upcoming January.
Daihatsu Vision Copen
This brand’s vehicles have been plagued by restrictions in Japan for the longest time. But not this vehicle. The Daihatsu Vision Copen concept is definitely cuteness overload. This time, aside from being blessed with looks the opposite sex would instantly drool over, it has a bigger turbocharged 1.3 engine that would give a boost, not just for the vehicle alone, but for the marque. Now, it’s not only adorable, it has lean muscles to flex and go along with it.
Mazda Iconic SP
Speaking of cars to be drooled over, Mazda is no stranger to the attention it gets. And this otherworldly bright red display at the show is a sure jaw-dropper. ‘Nuff said.
There’s a hullabaloo of its rotary engines resurrecting again to life after phasing out the RX-8 10 years ago. This here quiets such speculations. It’s here and it’s happening. Under this beauty’s hood is a twin-rotor engine that acts as a generator with a fully electric driveline. This stunner is bigger in size—too—by Mazda’s standards.
Subaru flying car and off-road game-changer
Subaru’s display at the show definitely defines why the show was renamed as it is. Its flying car, the Subaru Air Mobility concept, which is six meters in length and 4.5 meters in width, is under development and will probably be seen on the road, or shall we say, in the sky in 10 years time depending on how fast it develops.
Also being paraded is the brand’s Sports Mobility Concept which is aspired to be a game-changer on the off-road jungles.
Toyota’s electric performer
If ever there will be a successor to the lightweight MR2 sports car, the evocative Toyota FT-Se would be it.
Aside from its head-turning sleek looks, it’s a performance electric vehicle that sports ultra-compact battery cells.
Yamaha three-wheeler
From four wheels, we now look at the two, or rather, three-wheeler that grabbed the spotlight.
Yamaha’s Tricera is surely a looker. This electric motorcycle features a steerable rear wheel aside from those usually found at the front.
Joby Air Taxi
The display of Joby Aviation at the show signifies that mobility nowadays are indeed going further to new heights both literally and figuratively.
For one, Toyota Motor Corporation also announced its new partnership with the aviation company.
Here, it aspires to reduce traveling time in cities within Japan from one hour to just 15 minutes. Joby is developing an all-electric, five-seat aircraft that can take off and land vertically (eVTOL) with a maximum range of 150 miles, a top speed of 321 km/h and a low noise profile to allow it to access built-up areas. This also means that more and more carmakers are being open to the idea of “flying cars.”
There are a lot more in the show that captured my fancy. But for now, from what we’ve discussed here, so far, this writer would rather leave the rest to your imagination to what mobility was, what it is, and what it can be.
