DAYS OF FUTURE PRESENT
FIRST held in 1954, the Tokyo Motor Show (TMS) was a yearly spectacle of mobility until 1973, when it started to become a biennial event. Staged by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA), the TMS holds the distinction of being one of the “big five” car shows globally, joining the exhibitions in Detroit, Geneva, Frankfurt, and Paris.
This year, the TMS returns once more to the Tokyo Big Sight ( officially known as Tokyo International Exhibition Center), Japan’s largest convention and exhibition center. Boasting 24 passenger- car brands, six commercial vehicle companies, seven motorcycle brands, and other firms from attached industries, the 2017 edition of the iconic show is themed “Beyond the Motor,” to express “aspirations… to become an event that focuses on the broadly extended functional value and enjoyment of automobiles, attracting and integrating globally leadingedge knowledge and transcending industry borders to spawn new innovation and business.”
Already known as a venue for showcasing a myriad of concept vehicles, TMS continues to embrace its role to extend “the existing values of mobility… [as the] vision that underpins [the] goal of redefining the show within the context of continuous evolution…
That’s why the Tokyo Motor Show will look beyond motor vehicles themselves and transform itself into an event where cuttingedge knowledge comes together.”
We shine a light on a few of the featured Japanese brands and their important launches today. Judging from these vehicles ( some conceptual, some ready for the road), the industry has accepted two seemingly immutable realities — the growing adoption of alternative power plants and sustainable fuel, and the encroachment of artificial intelligence into our driving experience. The future is not just nearer than we think; it’s here.
TOYOTA Tj Cruiser
Toyota touts the Tj Cruiser as a “harmonious balance between the roominess of a cargo van and the powerful design of an SUV,” adding this concept model was designed for drivers whose lifestyles mix work and play seamlessly. The “T” in the model’s name stands for “toolbox,” which Toyota said refers to how the car can be used, while “j” stands for “joy.” The car maker said it assigned the “Cruiser” tag to identify the vehicle as one of its SUVs.
A key feature of the Tj Cruiser is its van- like cabin, with seats that can be folded down completely flat. This allows the car to haul outdoor equipment, as well as large items like bicycles or three-meter-long surfboards. Meanwhile, a sturdy suspension and large tires boost its SUV credentials, as do a hood, roof and fenders coated in a special film that resists scratches and dirt.
Crown Concept
One of the longest-running nameplates in Toyota’s lineup — Crown was introduced in 1955 — is reinterpreted in the Crown Concept, which the car maker said blends the “storied Crown tradition” with driving performance and connected technology.
The Crown Concept has a platform based on Toyota New Global