BYD's models to be featured at Japan Mobility Show

author: FutureCar Staff    

BYD, the Chinese automaker, is set to release two new electric vehicle (EV) models in Japan by the end of 2023. The models, named Dolphine hatchback and Seal sedan, will join the previously announced BYD Tang EV. It remains uncertain whether all three models will be showcased at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show in late October. BYD Auto Japan has not yet provided any comments regarding the matter.

In comparison to the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, the number of international car brands participating in the event has decreased. Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Renault, and Alpine were among the brands that joined as exhibitors in 2019.

While motor shows worldwide are experiencing a decline in popularity and presence, the organizers of the Tokyo Motor Show are aiming to transform the event into a global platform. Jun Nagata, the head of the show's organizing committee at the manufacturers association, stated in May that "only national carmakers now take part in their country's motor show."

Despite this trend, the organizers are determined to make the Japan Mobility Show a global event, rather than just a domestic one. Masami Tanaka, an association official in charge of next-generation mobility, expressed their aspirations to expand the show's reach.

Currently, nearly 20 foreign companies are participating in the event, according to Tanaka. Many of these companies are parts makers, including Valeo, Bosch, and Hyundai Mobis. The presence of Chinese companies, such as Zhejiang Sanhua Automotive Components Co., has increased due to the organizers' efforts to attract foreign companies and raise the profile of the Japan Mobility Show globally.

Furthermore, the event will see a record-high participation of over 400 companies, including startups, surpassing the 192 companies in the 2019 show. Approximately 160 companies will have their booths at the Tokyo waterfront venue. While 30-40% of the participating companies are from the automotive sector, the remaining 60% represent other industries such as IT, finance, energy, tourism, and education.

In addition to the automotive exhibition, the Japan Mobility Show will feature the H2 Energy Festival, which will showcase 30 live music and stand-up comedy acts. The festival's indoor entertainment stage will be entirely powered by hydrogen, similar to features seen at the CES and the South by Southwest music and arts festivals.

More details about the event will be revealed in September, and official tickets for the Japan Mobility Show are already available for purchase. Nagata, who also serves as the chief communications officer at Toyota Motor Corp., emphasized the organizers' commitment to shaping Japan's future through automobile and mobility technologies, a sentiment echoed by the association Chairman Akio Toyoda, who is also the chairman of Toyota.

FutureCar Staff