Japan Mobility Show 2025: Hyundai
- 说明
Japan Mobility Show 2025: Hyundai
- Hyundai will probably differ somewhat from the other carmakers and showcase its hydrogen-powered SUV, the new Nexo. This was already unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show in April and could actually find a small niche market in Japan, as Toyota's Mirai and Crown hydrogen models are both sedans. At 4.75 meters, it is about 8 cm longer than its predecessor. Technically speaking, the Nexo features a next-generation fuel cell that develops up to 110 kW (94 kW net), combined with a 2.64 kWh high-voltage battery that delivers 80 kW. The assembly delivers a 150 kW (350 Nm) electric motor mounted at the front. The target range exceeds 700 kilometers according to the Korean cycle, thanks to a slightly increased hydrogen storage capacity of 6.69 kg, distributed across three tanks of 54.2 liters each under 700 bar pressure. From 2018 to 2024, around 40,400 Nexos were built at the Korean plant in Ulsan. In Europe, this model has not yet been able to establish itself, with only 92 sales in the same period.
- Hyundai will also be presenting the new Ioniq 5. This sedan will be equipped with an 84 kWh battery, and the fully electric front-wheel drive motor will be able to drive both the front and rear wheels simultaneously when needed. According to the Korean cycle, the range is up to 703 km. The vehicle is based on the E-GMP platform. The carmaker emphasizes that sustainable materials were used in the new Ioniq 5. The Ioniq 5 has sold around 6,100 units in Europe since its introduction in 2021. From 2021 to 2024, the plant in Ulsan produced around 363,700 units. In 2024, plants in India and the US were added, but with marginal production.
- Hyundai will also introduce the InsterKreuz, a version of the fully electric Inster SUV designed as an off-road vehicle. However, based on the first images, the interior still looks very much like a city vehicle. In the first nine months of 2025, the Inster sold around 240 units in Europe. It is manufactured at the Ulsan plant in Korea.
Japan Mobility Show 2025: BYD
- 说明
Japan Mobility Show 2025: BYD
- As the only Chinese company represented at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, BYD, which is said to have global ambitions, is attracting particular attention. And indeed, BYD seems to be attempting a surprise coup by presenting a fully electric kei car as a prototype.
- This is remarkable in several respects. Firstly, because kei cars are still predominantly equipped with combustion engines or mild hybrid engines. However, a few traditional carmakers have also announced kei car concepts with BEV engines for the JMS. Secondly, it would be BYD's first model designed exclusively for a specific market and not offered in China (at least not in the near future). Thirdly, there are hardly any notable examples of non-Japanese carmakers attempting to design a kei car and compete with the top dogs in Japan. BYD's effort and courage must be recognized. It seems as if they want to tackle the unique Japanese market with this special strategy and challenge the Japanese carmakers.
- BYD's kei car is expected to be equipped with a 20 kWh battery, which would allow a range of up to 180 km. Initial estimates put the price at the equivalent of €15,300, which would be below the Nissan Sakura (Japan's best-selling all-electric kei car) at €15,750. Since BYD does not have any factories in Japan, this kei car, should it go into series production, would most likely be manufactured in China.
- BYD has been present in Japan since 2023 with the Atto 3 and Dolphin. And last year, BYD outsold Toyota with 2,223 electric vehicles sold compared to Toyota's 2,038 EVs. However, the EV market in Japan is still at a very low level and Toyota's full hybrids are still very dominant.
Japan Mobility Show 2025: Toyota (1/2)
- 说明
Japan Mobility Show 2025: Toyota (1/2)
- Toyota has made a surprise announcement that it will present a study on a modernized Corolla at this year's JMS. Initial images suggest that development is already close to series production. The fuel filler flap on the front fender in particular has sparked speculation about the future powertrain. Will it be a BEV or a PHEV (in competition with the Prius)? Is Toyota taking the risk of no longer offering one of its bestsellers with a combustion engine?
- Shortly before the opening of the JMS, Toyota announced that it would be unveiling the new Land Cruiser FJ at the event. The successor to the FJ Cruiser, which was discontinued in 2022, is likely to be one of the more compact SUVs, with a length of approximately 4.6 meters and a wheelbase of 2.58 meters. Toyota has stated that the platform is derived from the Fortuner and Hilux, which suggests four-wheel drive. It is not yet known what type of engine the Land Cruiser FJ will be marketed with. In Europe, the Land Cruiser was only a moderate success, with 3,364 units sold between 2014 and 2024. The FJ Cruiser has not been available in Europe since 2014. Toyota produced around 3,280,000 Land Cruisers from 2014 to 2024 and around 97,600 FJ Cruisers between 2014 and 2022.
- Since the official release is not scheduled until December 4, 2025, it remains to be seen whether and, if so, in what form Toyota will unveil its new supercar, the V8-powered Gazoo GT. Whether only parts or even a prototype will be revealed is currently the subject of speculation. It is said that the road version will also have a hybrid drive. It is also unclear under which brand the vehicle will ultimately be released: the Gazoo racing brand or Lexus, as the successor to the LFA, from which it was partly derived.
Japan Mobility Show 2025: Toyota (2/2)
- 说明
Japan Mobility Show 2025: Toyota (2/2)
- Toyota's announcement that it will present a spectacular concept car under the Century banner is unusual for the luxury sub-brand, which is known for its discretion, and can be explained by Toyota's strategy to develop the brand and market it outside Japan. Since 1967, Toyota has developed the Century sub-brand as a symbol of discreet luxury. However, it has hardly been marketed outside Japan. With Toyota's announcement on October 13, the company revealed its strategy that there will be five independent brands in the future—Century, Lexus, Toyota, GR, and Daihatsu—and that Century will be positioned above Lexus as the top luxury brand. As far as can be seen from the first pictures, the body is leaning towards a sedan coupé, but could also be developed in the direction of an SUV. Some details, such as the sheet metal rear window and sliding doors, indicate that the study is still at an experimental stage. The focus seems to be on full hybrid or fully electric motors as possible drive systems.
- At Lexus, Toyota's premium subsidiary, there is a noticeable trend among customers to switch from classic sedans to vans. Even upscale taxis in Asia are often more luxurious vans. That's why Lexus has decided to reintroduce the LM. But the LS is also apparently set to be transformed into a van, as Lexus plans to unveil a corresponding concept at JMS 2025. The few teaser images that have been released suggest an enormous size. This could indicate a BEV, as their platforms allow for generous use of space. Most striking, however, are the three axles, which further emphasize the length and break with the brand's conventions. Lexus will likely wait for feedback from the show to decide whether and how the vehicle can be brought to production.
Japan Mobility Show 2025: Suzuki (2/2)
- 说明
Japan Mobility Show 2025: Suzuki (2/2)
- Suzuki is exhibiting its first fully electric SUV, the e-Vitara, at this year's JMS. Measuring 4.28 meters long, 1.80 meters wide, 1.63 meters high, and weighing 1.7 tons, it is definitely one of the smaller fully electric SUVs. The battery is said to have a capacity of up to 61 kWh and an output of 135 kW (181 hp) with a range of up to 426 km. It is based on the newly developed HEARTECT-e platform and comes with an electric all-wheel drive system. In Europe, the Vitara has sold around 29,300 units since its launch in 2015 until 2024. Around 1,154,800 Vitaras were produced during the same period in its Hungarian plant Esztergom. The e-Vitara will be produced in Gujarat, India, and Inovev forecasts a production of 25.000 units per year.
- Suzuki's Kei Car XBee (Crossbee) received a facelift in October, which will be shown at the JMS. In addition to its more modern exterior, the mild hybrid engine has been updated to a 1.2-liter Z12E with a CVT. The vehicle retains its dimensions, with a length of 3.76 m, a width of 1.67 m, and a height of 1.7 m.
- At JMS 2023, Suzuki presented a concept for the third generation of its microvan, the Spacia. The finished model will be on display at JMS 2025. It has a length of 3.39 meters, a width of 1.47 meters, and a height of 1.78 meters. It is powered by a 0.6-liter mild hybrid engine (36-47 kW). The curb weight is expected to be around 900 kg.
