JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW returns after 4 years: Mobility technologies of the future

The “JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023” was held at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo for 11 days from October 26 to November 5. The show, which was held for the first time in four years due to the pandemic, returned under a new name from the former “Tokyo Motor Show”. Exhibitors showcased their latest mobility-related technologies, with a focus on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and other forms of transportation. 

New BEVs in the spotlight 

The JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW, organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA, Chairman: Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor), was held for the first time in four years. The theme of this year’s show was “Discover a future you can’t wait to navigate!”. A record number of 475 companies and organizations exhibited a wide variety of mobility solutions, including automobiles. A total of 1,112,000 people visited the show over the 11 days, and the venue was buzzing with excitement. 

Toyota Motor’s new electric vehicle, the “LF-ZC”.

Japanese automakers introduced their new BEV models and pushed forward in the market, which has lagged behind those of international automakers. Toyota Motor announced the “LF-ZC” to be launched in 2026 under the luxury car brand “Lexus”. The car features a three-piece body structure and is manufactured using the “gigacasting” technology for large aluminum parts. The battery to be installed in the car will be improved in terms of material and volume, with the aim of achieving a driving range of 1,000 km. A voice recognition function using artificial intelligence (AI) technology is also being developed to provide a more comfortable driving experience. 

Nissan Motor presented five concept cars.

Nissan Motor unveiled five concept cars, including the Nissan Hyper Force, which will be equipped with an all-solid-state battery that uses solid rather than liquid electrolytes and is expected to achieve a maximum output of 1,000 kW. The car is also said to be safe, as it uses “LiDAR” technology, which uses sensors to detect its surroundings, to assist in driving. 

Several overseas automakers also exhibited their products. BYD, which participated in the show for the first time, caught attention with its “BYD SEAL”, which is planned to be launched in Japan in 2024. It uses the latest technology to integrate the battery as part of the vehicle body, improving the rigidity of the vehicle body and driving stability. 

Non-automotive companies also set up booths with an eye toward BEVs: Niterra displayed ceramic bearing balls that can help reduce the weight of automotive parts. “Ceramic bearing balls are conventionally used in machining center (MC) spindles, but their light weight and durability make them suitable for EVs,” explained the head of the company’s Advanced Ceramics Company.

Cars aren’t the only highlight 

In addition to automobiles, mobility exhibits were a prominent feature of this year’s show. 

SUBARU had the premiere of the “SUBARU AIR MOBILITY Concept”.

SUBARU unveiled its “SUBARU AIR MOBILITY Concept”, the six-propeller aircraft.  As automobiles are becoming more and more electrified and automated, new technologies are also being sought for aircraft, the company said. The company is conducting a series of flight tests with a test aircraft to achieve more freedom in air travel. 

Honda, which attracted attention with its “PRELUDE Concept”, displayed a variety of mobility vehicles in addition to automobiles. The Honda Jet, a small jet aircraft, and the Honda eVTOL, which can take off and land vertically, were displayed at the booth to showcase Honda’s efforts in new areas. By combining these air-mobility vehicles with automobiles and other vehicles, Honda aims to lower the barriers to long-distance travel. 

Other exhibits at the show included a manned drone and an electric kickboard, and many visitors had high expectations for the next generation of mobility technology.