Tokyo Motor Show 2017 Nissan unveils the IMx at a press briefing

Passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle OEMs showcased various unique EV concepts, ranging from SUVs and sports cars to trucks at Tokyo Motor Show 2017 (period: October 25th to November 5th 2017, venue: Tokyo Big Sight).

As environmental restrictions become tighter around the world, momentum for the shift from internal combustion engines that use fossil fuels to electric vehicles (EVs) driven by electric motors and batteries has been increasing. With EVs, which do not require conventional engines, it is expected that car manufacturing will change greatly, and engine-related parts manufacturers in particular are facing a crisis.

Gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles, however, comprise most of the new vehicle sales in major countries, and the size of the EV market remains limited. In 2016, of the 4.96 million new vehicles sold in Japan (including commercial vehicles), only around 1 million electrified vehicles (EVs/HVs/PHVs/FCVs) were sold. Of these, EVs accounted for just 35,000 vehicles. (Source: MarkLines annual vehicle sales data)

At the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, many suppliers exhibited parts equipped in Toyota's fourth-generation Prius and Honda's Clarity fuel cell vehicle (FCV). At this show, rather than parts featured in specific EV models, many exhibitions showcased parts developed in preparation for the future shift toward EVs.

All companies recognize that the automobile industry is in a period of great transition. Suppliers whose strengths are in electrification technology anticipate an increase in business opportunities and are developing products and technologies to respond to the changes in the market.

Tokyo Motor Show 2017 related reports:
Toyota unveils numerous concept vehicles （Nov. 2017）
Exhibitions from Bosch, Denso, Aisin, and Mitsubishi Electric (Nov. 2017)