Opening on October 22, the 39th Tokyo Motor Show – one of the five largest exhibitions in the global automotive industry – concluded yesterday (November 7) in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, Japan. Held every two years, this year’s exhibition attracted 240 manufacturers, suppliers of parts, and services related to two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles from 14 countries and territories showcasing their products.
Nearly 600 vehicles with diverse designs and technologies were presented at the exhibition, including 79 “concept cars” making their global debut, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). (A Concept Car is a new design prototype expected to hit the market in the coming years, embodying the manufacturer’s creative innovations and guiding consumers in their future vehicle choices). The exhibition highlighted a common trend increasingly emphasized by major automotive companies worldwide: producing transportation solutions that are less dependent on fossil fuels and do not harm the environment. This responds to consumer demand in the context of soaring fuel prices in recent times, which have increased production costs and consequently led to rising prices for gasoline-powered vehicles. The two most widely applied technologies by manufacturers for future vehicle models are advanced fuel cell technology and drive-by-wire technology, where the driver performs actions such as steering, braking, and shifting through electronic signals.
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Toyota Endo Concept |
Leading the race in developing advanced environmentally friendly technologies, Toyota Motor Corporation – the second-largest automaker in the world (after the American company General Motors) – introduced its latest concept car in the fuel cell vehicle (FCV) lineup. FCVs are considered the “most environmentally friendly cars”, with fuel generated from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and water being the only byproduct while the vehicle operates. This type of vehicle is deemed more beneficial to the ecosystem than hybrid vehicles that run on both electricity and gasoline, such as the popular Toyota Prius. Rather than focusing on maximizing speed or energy efficiency, Toyota emphasizes replacing materials with environmentally friendly alternatives, such as using biodegradable plastics and fibers for the body and interior of the vehicle.
From a consumer convenience perspective, Honda’s new design proves to be superior. Also a fuel cell vehicle, Honda’s FCV operates with a fuel cell system that can simultaneously provide electricity and hot water for household use. The fuel cell system refines natural gas to produce hydrogen, which combines with oxygen to generate the electricity needed to power the vehicle, with water as the only byproduct. This system can also supply household electricity and utilize heat generated during electricity production for the home’s hot water system. In addition to reducing emissions by 40%, this system will help consumers save half of their monthly electricity and gas expenses as well as fuel for their vehicles. For pet owners, Honda offers the WOW two-wheeled vehicle with a sliding door for riders to place their pets in a cage located in front of the rear seat.
Reuters, AP