BYD's models to be featured at Japan Mobility Show

author: FutureCar Staff    

BYD, a Chinese automaker, is set to release two new electric vehicle (EV) models in Japan by the end of 2023. The models include the Dolphine hatchback and Seal sedan. It is uncertain whether all three EV models will be showcased at the upcoming show in late October. Despite a decline in international car brands participating in motor shows, the organizers of the Japan Mobility Show aim to transform it into a global platform.

In 2019, the Tokyo Motor Show had four international car brands, including Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Renault, and Alpine. However, the number of international exhibitors has decreased since then. Jun Nagata, the head of the show's organizing committee, mentioned that currently, only national carmakers take part in their respective country's motor shows.

The organizers of the Japan Mobility Show have ambitious plans to make it a global event. Masami Tanaka, an association official responsible for next-generation mobility, stated their intention to expand the show's reach beyond domestic boundaries. Currently, nearly 20 foreign companies, including parts makers like Valeo, Bosch, and Hyundai Mobis, are participating in the show.

Chinese companies are also increasing their presence among the participating suppliers. Four Chinese parts makers, including Zhejiang Sanhua Automotive Components Co., are on the list of exhibitors. The association attributes this to their efforts to attract foreign companies and raise the profile of the Japan Mobility Show globally.

This year's Japan Mobility Show will see a significant increase in the number of participating companies. Over 400 companies, including startups, will take part in the event, surpassing the previous record of 192 companies in the 2019 show. Around 160 companies will have booths at the Tokyo waterfront venue. Approximately 30-40% of the participating companies are from the automotive sector, while the remaining 60% represent various industries such as IT, finance, energy, tourism, and education.

In addition to the automotive exhibits, the Japan Mobility Show will also feature the H2 Energy Festival, which will include 30 live music and standup comedy acts. The festival will be held on an indoor entertainment stage entirely powered by hydrogen, similar to features seen at the CES and South by Southwest music and arts festivals.

More details about the Japan Mobility Show will be revealed in September, and official tickets for the event are now on sale. The organizers, including Jun Nagata and Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota, are committed to showcasing automobile and mobility technologies to shape Japan's future.

FutureCar Staff