Electric Vehicles, AI Self-Driving Tech Shown to Media at Tokyo Motor Show

Tokyo, Oct. 25 (Jiji Press)--The 45th Tokyo Motor Show kicked off a two-day media preview on Wednesday, with automakers showcasing prototypes of their evolving electric vehicles and cars with advanced driver assistance safety technologies utilizing artificial intelligence. The biennial motor show, which will be open to the public from Saturday through Nov. 5 at Tokyo Big Sight, is joined by 153 automakers as well as auto parts and electronics makers from 10 countries. The event will showcase 371 vehicles, including 64 models making world premieres. Toyota Motor Corp. <7203> is displaying prototypes of electric AI vehicles that can learn the emotions and preferences of drivers. Noting that Toyota has created many components for the shift to electric vehicles through its development of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, Executive Vice President Didier Leroy told a press briefing, "This experience puts us in a very good position for the next step." Referring to all solid-state lithium-ion battery technology that is believed to have potential for drastically improving the driving range of electric vehicles, he said that Toyota engineers are now "working hard to commercialize this technology sometime in the early 2020s." Toyota also premiered a prototype of an LS sedan from its Lexus luxury brand that features an automated driving technology, aiming to commercialize this on expressways in 2020 and on all public roads by 2025. Nissan Motor Co. <7201> is showing an autonomous-driving electric vehicle concept. In the wake of recent revelation of inspections of new vehicles by unqualified workers, Nissan Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci attended a press conference on behalf of its president, Hiroto Saikawa. "We sincerely regret any inconvenience and concern this has caused," Schillaci said, adding that Nissan is making companywide efforts to prevent any recurrence. He announced the company's plan to become the first in the Japanese auto industry to participate in the FIA Formula E championship exclusively for electric racecars. "Next year, Nissan will be in the Formula E," Schillaci said, adding that the participation is expected to raise the Nissan brand "even higher." Honda Motor Co. <7267> is showcasing an electric AI sports car concept, while Mitsubishi Motors Corp. <7211>, Suzuki Motor Corp. <7269> and Daihatsu Motor Co., a Toyota unit, are displaying their respective electric vehicle prototypes. END