Japan Mobility Show 2025: Toyota (2/2)
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Japan Mobility Show 2025: Toyota (2/2)
- Toyota's announcement that it will present a spectacular concept car under the Century banner is unusual for the luxury sub-brand, which is known for its discretion, and can be explained by Toyota's strategy to develop the brand and market it outside Japan. Since 1967, Toyota has developed the Century sub-brand as a symbol of discreet luxury. However, it has hardly been marketed outside Japan. With Toyota's announcement on October 13, the company revealed its strategy that there will be five independent brands in the future—Century, Lexus, Toyota, GR, and Daihatsu—and that Century will be positioned above Lexus as the top luxury brand. As far as can be seen from the first pictures, the body is leaning towards a sedan coupé, but could also be developed in the direction of an SUV. Some details, such as the sheet metal rear window and sliding doors, indicate that the study is still at an experimental stage. The focus seems to be on full hybrid or fully electric motors as possible drive systems.
- At Lexus, Toyota's premium subsidiary, there is a noticeable trend among customers to switch from classic sedans to vans. Even upscale taxis in Asia are often more luxurious vans. That's why Lexus has decided to reintroduce the LM. But the LS is also apparently set to be transformed into a van, as Lexus plans to unveil a corresponding concept at JMS 2025. The few teaser images that have been released suggest an enormous size. This could indicate a BEV, as their platforms allow for generous use of space. Most striking, however, are the three axles, which further emphasize the length and break with the brand's conventions. Lexus will likely wait for feedback from the show to decide whether and how the vehicle can be brought to production.
Japan Mobility Show 2025: Toyota (1/2)
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Japan Mobility Show 2025: Toyota (1/2)
- Toyota has made a surprise announcement that it will present a study on a modernized Corolla at this year's JMS. Initial images suggest that development is already close to series production. The fuel filler flap on the front fender in particular has sparked speculation about the future powertrain. Will it be a BEV or a PHEV (in competition with the Prius)? Is Toyota taking the risk of no longer offering one of its bestsellers with a combustion engine?
- Shortly before the opening of the JMS, Toyota announced that it would be unveiling the new Land Cruiser FJ at the event. The successor to the FJ Cruiser, which was discontinued in 2022, is likely to be one of the more compact SUVs, with a length of approximately 4.6 meters and a wheelbase of 2.58 meters. Toyota has stated that the platform is derived from the Fortuner and Hilux, which suggests four-wheel drive. It is not yet known what type of engine the Land Cruiser FJ will be marketed with. In Europe, the Land Cruiser was only a moderate success, with 3,364 units sold between 2014 and 2024. The FJ Cruiser has not been available in Europe since 2014. Toyota produced around 3,280,000 Land Cruisers from 2014 to 2024 and around 97,600 FJ Cruisers between 2014 and 2022.
- Since the official release is not scheduled until December 4, 2025, it remains to be seen whether and, if so, in what form Toyota will unveil its new supercar, the V8-powered Gazoo GT. Whether only parts or even a prototype will be revealed is currently the subject of speculation. It is said that the road version will also have a hybrid drive. It is also unclear under which brand the vehicle will ultimately be released: the Gazoo racing brand or Lexus, as the successor to the LFA, from which it was partly derived.
Japan Mobility Show 2025: Suzuki (1/2)
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Japan Mobility Show 2025: Suzuki (1/2)
- Suzuki will present its Vision e-Sky concept, which is almost ready for series production, at JMS 2025. This fully electric vehicle is scheduled to be launched in the first half of 2026 and will have a range of over 270 km. The concept is 3.395 meters long, 1.475 meters wide, and 1.625 meters high. It is therefore a fully electric Kei car. As these cars currently only represent a small market, both the opportunities and risks are considerable. It appears that Suzuki is gearing its Kei cars towards electric power, as its second concept is also a BEV Kei car.
- The second concept car announced by Suzuki will also be fully electric: a small, fully electric mini commercial vehicle or van, whose electrical system was developed by Suzuki in collaboration with Toyota and Daihatsu. The battery is not only designed to enable a range of 200 km, but also to power various possible uses, e.g., as a breakdown service or ambulance. However, in its current phase, it is still very compact, with a length of 3.395 meters, a width of 1.475 meters, and a height of 1.89 meters. Unfortunately, Suzuki has not provided any information on its weight.
- Already available on the Japanese market since April 3, Suzuki will exhibit its new Jimny Nomadeat JMS 2025 to further promote it. In India, it is offered as the Jimny Alpha. In Europe, the original Jimny has not been officially available since 2020, but an Italian importer now appears to be offering this new version. The Jimny Nomade has a wheelbase that is 34 cm longer than the original, giving it a length of almost 4 meters. From 2014 to 2024, around 580,000 Jimnys (all versions) were built. In Europe, this model sold around 12,400 units during the same period. Inovev forecasts a production of 100.000 units per year.
Japan Mobility Show 2025: Suzuki (2/2)
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Japan Mobility Show 2025: Suzuki (2/2)
- Suzuki is exhibiting its first fully electric SUV, the e-Vitara, at this year's JMS. Measuring 4.28 meters long, 1.80 meters wide, 1.63 meters high, and weighing 1.7 tons, it is definitely one of the smaller fully electric SUVs. The battery is said to have a capacity of up to 61 kWh and an output of 135 kW (181 hp) with a range of up to 426 km. It is based on the newly developed HEARTECT-e platform and comes with an electric all-wheel drive system. In Europe, the Vitara has sold around 29,300 units since its launch in 2015 until 2024. Around 1,154,800 Vitaras were produced during the same period in its Hungarian plant Esztergom. The e-Vitara will be produced in Gujarat, India, and Inovev forecasts a production of 25.000 units per year.
- Suzuki's Kei Car XBee (Crossbee) received a facelift in October, which will be shown at the JMS. In addition to its more modern exterior, the mild hybrid engine has been updated to a 1.2-liter Z12E with a CVT. The vehicle retains its dimensions, with a length of 3.76 m, a width of 1.67 m, and a height of 1.7 m.
- At JMS 2023, Suzuki presented a concept for the third generation of its microvan, the Spacia. The finished model will be on display at JMS 2025. It has a length of 3.39 meters, a width of 1.47 meters, and a height of 1.78 meters. It is powered by a 0.6-liter mild hybrid engine (36-47 kW). The curb weight is expected to be around 900 kg.
Japan Mobility Show 2025: Subaru
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Japan Mobility Show 2025: Subaru
- Subaru has announced two concept cars under its sporty STI label for the Japan Mobility Show 2025 and released two teaser images that don't reveal too much yet.
- The fully electric Performance-E STI concept looks sleek, fast, and aggressive in the teaser image. The design has many edges and the headlights are quite narrow. It could be heading in the direction of a modern to super sports car.
- The Performance-B STI concept is said to be equipped with a combustion engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive, which is surprising, as the STI label was actually intended to be transformed exclusively for electric vehicles. This could indicate a change in strategy. The teaser image suggests an SUV or hatchback body, as it looks more muscular and powerful thanks to its fenders. The air scoop and side vents could be an indication of a WRX base and underline the sporty character.