2019 Tokyo Motor Show // The Future of Mobility

Toyota is the largest player in Japan and they are also the worldwide partner for next years 2020 Olympic games held here in Tokyo. As the mobility partner, they are bring mobility to all from car enthusiasts to olympians. The biggest head turner was the introduction of the Mirai fuel cell concept. This concept looks production ready and the production model will start to be produced by the end of 2020. With a larger all-new fuel cell platform able to drive 30% farther than the current Mirai, this stylish and sleek sedan will abandon the idea that a future fuel car has to look different, this just looks fantastic. The interesting part is this should be a performer too, because this is a RWD car. I asked the chief engineer why they went to RWD.

Toyota showcased mobility in the form of scooters, a unique wheelchair tow motor that allows the wheelchair to be pulled along , then left behind for another rider to use, The i-road has been out for a while but this was the first time I have had to drive this rear-steer, three-wheel tandom electric city people mover.

To showcase fuel cell for larger vehicles, Toyota will have hydrogen fuel cell busses driving around the oylimpic site with zero emissions. The bus also has automnomous docking modes. By following a set track on the road, the bus will pull up within 50mm of the passenger platform making it easy for wheelchair accessibility on and off the bus.

At Lexus the LF-30 concept was shown, a showcase for design and technology from adaptive suspension called posture control that keeps the cars posture on the road perfect at all times, plus this LF-30 has in-wheel electric motors on all four wheels. The name LF-30 was chosen for the 30th anniversary of the Lexus brand.

The Tokyo show has some random stuff too like a cat pillow, that wags its tail when you pet it, or how about a robot puppy for $2000. The Raptors could use this robot for free throws, getting it in with nothing but net very time. The Japanese motorcycle industry is important and they are represented at the show, Suzuki is now a partner with Toyota to develop new vehicles for the indian market, they had some cool looking stuff from t a cob camper van to scooters, concept cars and my favourite, the Jimny.

Toyota has also recently taken a larger stake in Mazda to develop future technology but Mazda showed the MX-30 full electric car, it’s own creation before the collaboration starts. This full-electric car is going into production by the end of 2020 and Canada is being heavily considered as a market due to ZEV mandates in BC and Quebec.