The Japan Mobility Show that’s open to the public this week in Tokyo is a glimpse into the automotive future. Here are some of the exhibits that stood out for us:
Century One of One concept
The Toyota Century is well known in Japan as a large luxury sedan and now Toyota will use its 50-year-old name to create its own ultra-premium brand. The Century will compete directly against Rolls-Royce and Bentley, which will free up Lexus to develop expensive vehicles that aren’t quite such a pinnacle of luxury. There were concepts of a coupe and a sedan and an SUV at the show, but while American Toyota confirmed it will bring the brand to the U.S. when it releases its first production models later this decade, Toyota Canada has not yet made a commitment to do so.
The Century coupe on display at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
The Century sedan concept on display at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
Yamaha H2 Buddy concept
Delivery scooters are everywhere on the roads in Asia, but none like the H2 Buddy. It’s developed by Yamaha in a collaboration with Toyota, using a Yamaha-designed hydrogen engine and vehicle body combined with a small hydrogen fuel tank created by Toyota. It’s said to be fully compliant with existing regulations, including Euro 5 exhaust gas regulations, and capable of travelling more than 100 kilometres.
The Yamaha H2 Buddy concept on display at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
Honda EV Outlier concept
Honda’s EV Outlier is a fully electric motorcycle that was developed from scratch, rather than from existing bikes. “The project was launched as a challenge to ask, what value can only be achieved with electrification?” said project boss Yuya Tsutsumi. Each wheel has a dedicated electric motor inside it and the riding position alters depending on which of three electronic ride modes are selected: Gliding, Ecstasy and Low. If you prefer traditional motorcycles, Honda also showed off the latest generation of its CB1000F flagship road sports bike.
The Honda EV Outlier concept on display at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
Toyota IMV Origin
The IMV Origin is an attempt to bring a truly affordable micro truck to the developing world, specifically small villages in Africa. It will be delivered as just 70-per-cent assembled. “It is the local people who assemble and complete it. This brings new local jobs in the form of assembly work,” said Koji Sato, chief executive officer of Toyota. “Customers (will) define the vehicle on their own terms, even after it’s assembled. Will it carry people or cargo? Will the cargo be boxes or something else? We just build the base. From there, each customer completes the vehicle to fit their needs.”
The Toyota IMV Origin.Courtesy of manufacturer
Yangwang U9
Yangwang is the sporty premium brand of BYD and the all-electric U9 is officially the fastest production car in the world. On a test track in September, the Xtreme edition hit a top speed of 496 kilometres an hour, thanks to each wheel having its own dedicated motor, and a total power delivery of 2,959 brake horsepower. If it was sold in North America, it would cost about US$250,000. Oh, and its suspension raises and lowers up to 75 millimetres so rapidly that it can actually jump over potholes.
The Yangwang U9, the fastest production car in the world, on display at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
Suzuki e-VanVan and Moqba 2
Suzuki developed its VanVan monkey bike back in the 1970s and now the e-VanVan is an all-electric model. “Note the easy-to-ride size and the design fusing cutting-edge with classic,” says the maker. Beside it on the stage, the Moqba 2 is an electric motorcycle with four legs and wheels, intended for riding up steps and over bumpy terrain. Clearly, Suzuki hasn’t seen how Jason Bourne and James Bond already do it with regular motorcycles.
The Suzuki e-VanVan on display at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
The Moqba 2, an electric motorcycle with four legs and wheels.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
Toyota Walk Me concept
One of several new wheelchair alternatives from Toyota, the Walk Me is like a seat on top of a four-legged electric spider. Its advantage is that it can travel over bumpy or rocky ground because it has legs, not wheels, and is particularly adept at handling steps.
The Toyota Walk Me concept standing up.Courtesy of manufacturer
D.A.D Crystal Benz SL Gold
Intended only to draw attention to the fledgling D.A.D automotive accessories brand, this Mercedes-Benz SL is covered with Austrian crystals, “incorporating organic gradient effects to achieve a captivating beauty and intricate detail.” It’s probably best not to try to blast it clean at your local car wash.
D.A.D Crystal Benz SL Gold on display at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
Hyundai Insteroid concept
The Insteroid is a game-inspired concept car first seen at Korea’s Seoul Mobility Show last April. It’s based on Hyundai’s Inster sub-compact production car, though it has a wider body and a massive aerodynamic rear-wing spoiler. “Our concept is to inspire everyone to dream bigger and smile longer,” says Simon Loasby, head of the Hyundai Design Center.
The interior of the Hyundai Insteroid concept, which was inspired by video games.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
The Hyundai Insteroid on display at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
Mercedes-Benz Vision V concept
Luxurious minivans are everywhere in Japan and China, intended as VIP shuttles and premium chauffeur-driven limousines. The all-electric Vision V is Mercedes’ entry into the ultra-luxury market and is designed as a private lounge on wheels. “Analog craftsmanship merges with an immersive user experience to create a holistic experience with a cocooning effect,” says the automaker.
The Mercedes-Benz Vision V concept on display at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
Yamaha Proto concepts
The Proto comes as either a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric motorcycle. The hybrid is intended to be calm and quiet in the city, then powerful in the country, while consuming one-third less fuel. The PHEV goes a step farther, allowing all-electric operation when desired, while the all-electric edition is a track-oriented supersport motorcycle that’s both fast and easy to operate.
All three Yamaha Proto concepts, which come as a hybrid, PHEV or all-electric track-oriented supersport motorcycle.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
The writer was a guest of Toyota. Content was not subject to approval.