Event returns with new focus

Japan’s biggest automotive trade show has returned after a four-year hiatus because of the Covid-19 pandemic with a new name and a shift in focus.

The Japan Mobility Show, which opened on October 26, replaces the Tokyo Motor Show and marks the first name change for the biennial event since 1964.

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) organises the event and has decided to focus more on mobility as the rise in connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electrification impacts the industry.

The Tokyo Motor Show is considered one of the five major automotive shows worldwide – along with those in Frankfurt, Geneva, Detroit and Paris – but visitor numbers have fallen of late as industry interest shifts to events in China, reports the Japan Times. 

Akio Toyoda, chairman of JAMA and Toyota, has made reforming the event one of his top priorities. Such occasions mainly focused on carmakers’ new vehicles but he says with advances in technology the new show has to “go beyond the auto industry”.

A record 475 companies are taking part in this year’s showcase, which is up from just 192 at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2019, as the event also features start-up businesses and displays focusing on themes such as space, robotics and food.

Toyota has its multipurpose vehicle offerings on display, with one model that can function as a delivery van, a camper van or remote office, Honda is presenting a series of mobility products and Subaru has taken the covers off a concept flying car.

While domestic carmakers are out in force, the likes of General Motors, Ford and Volkswagen are not taking part in the event.

The Japan Mobility Show opens to the general public from October 28 to November 5 and JAMA hopes it will attract more than 1 million visitors.