THE first Tokyo Motor Show was held in 1954, organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturing Association (JAMA). It was originally called the All Japan Motor Show. Held in Hibiya Park, it featured a total of 267 vehicles, including 17 passenger cars. The TMS, as it was known then, quickly grew in popularity, and by the 1960s, it was one of the most important automotive shows in the world, featuring the latest and greatest cars from Japan and around the world.
After the pandemic, JAMA decided to shift from just cars to all forms of mobility and the Tokyo Motor Show was renamed the Japan Mobility Show to reflect the changing landscape of transportation. In the past, the show focused primarily on cars, but now it encompasses a wider range of mobility solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) included. The last TMS was in 2019, the 47th edition.
This year begins Japan Mobility Show No. 1.
EVs are crucial in the transition to a more sustainable future and the Japan Mobility Show is an important platform for showcasing the latest EV technology and innovations. It provides a unique opportunity for consumers, businesses, and policymakers to come together and learn more about the future of transportation. And because it is a mobility show not just a car show, we are presenting non-cars at the event worthy of admiration.
Honda Uni-One is a hands-free, seated personal mobility device powered by two omnidirectional wheels that allow it to move in any direction. The user steers the Uni-One by shifting their body weight.
The Uni-One is designed to give people with mobility challenges the freedom to move around independently. It is also designed to be comfortable and easy to use. It has a seat that can be raised or lowered, so that the user can interact with people at eye level. The Uni-One is way past concept stage, and can be ready to revolutionize the way people with mobility challenges get around.
Another interesting display is the Honda eVTOL which takes into the air this time is an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft sow. The aircraft is still in the early stages of development, but it represents Honda’s vision for the future of transportation.
The eVTOL aircraft is designed to be a personal transportation–but can safely seat 5 people. The vehicle that can take off and land vertically, like a helicopter. This would allow it to operate in urban areas without the need for airports or runways.It has sdda hybrid powertrain that combines electric motors with a gas turbine. This gives it the range and performance needed for long-distance travel.
The Isuzu ERGA EV is the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) flat-floor route bus developed by Isuzu. It is designed to achieve zero carbon emissions and provide a more accessible and comfortable ride for passengers.
The BEV layout allows for the elimination of steps at the rear of the bus, creating a fully flat-floor interior. This makes it easier for passengers to get on and off the bus, and it also eliminates the need for passengers to step over seats. It is designed to eliminate on-board accidents, such as falls, entirely. It offers a smooth ride, and improved accessibility.
All seats on the ERGA EV are accessible without steps, making movement within the bus completely barrier-free. This is especially beneficial for passengers with mobility challenges, such as those who use wheelchairs or walkers. In addition to its improved accessibility, the ERGA EV also features smoother acceleration and deceleration, as well as lower vibration and noise levels. This helps to maximize passenger safety and comfort.
Suzuki MOQBA is a unique next-generation four-leg mobility concept. Utilizing wheels and four legs for the device can overcome obstacles such as steps and is designed to work even in a region with developed public transportation. It can move smoothly with wheels on flat roads, and seamlessly move on steps with legs.
Suzuki engineers say that by combining the base chassis with attachments, body variation can be changed in three modes: Chair mode, Standing mode, and Stretcher mode. Through these modes, it not only provides the freedom of transportation, but also as a mobility that transports people and objects in places where cars can hardly go through in case of situations such as emergency.
The Toyota JUU Concept is a wheelchair concept is designed to be more agile and maneuverable than traditional wheelchairs. The JUU offers the freedom to travel anywhere unassisted. It features two large powered wheels that can traverse steps up to 16 cm tall, and a retractable tail that prevents tipping.
Using motors from Toyota cars, means reliability and power. Toyota is also exploring advanced functions that would enable the JUU to autonomously move and load itself into the rear of a car.
The JUU is a significant step forward in electric wheelchair technology. It has the potential to revolutionize the way people with physical impairments get around. It could enable people to travel anywhere they want, without having to rely on others for assistance. This could lead to increased opportunities for outings and employment.
Yamaha’s Motoroid2 is an electric motorcycle concept that is an evolution of the original Motoroid concept that was first unveiled at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. The Motordroid2 can recognize its owner because of an enhanced image recognition AI system, balance on its own, and even move alongside the rider. Yamaha’s New Leaf structure system provides a “lifelike feel” when ridden.
The Motoroid2 concept represents a significant step forward in the development of self-balancing motorcycles. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about motorcycles and transportation as a whole.
These are just a few of the many vehicle concepts that were on display at the Japan Mobility Show. It is clear that Japanese companies are making a serious investment in new mobility technology, and many more innovative electric-powered, green transportation concepts will come out from Japan in the coming years.
