Tokyo Motor Show To Be “Redesigned” As The Japan Mobility Show, Expand Focus Beyond Cars

The coronavirus pandemic forced auto shows to go on hiatus but they’re back, although not necessarily better.

While a number of shows were struggling before the pandemic, their returns have been relatively lackluster as new debuts have been few and far between. Complicating matters even further has been a lack of excitement and exhibitor attendance.

Organizers have been trying to adapt and the latest is the Tokyo Motor Show, which has been “redesigned” as the Japan Mobility Show. Set to kick off on October 26th of 2023, the show aims to attract new exhibitors and start-ups “beyond the framework of mobility.”

Also: 2023 Tokyo Motor Show To Be “Reborn” As A Japan All-Industry Show

There’s no word on which specific models could debut at the show, but the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) will start recruiting exhibitors later this month. They’re aiming to attract companies to show “next-generation mobility including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, car bodies, parts and machinery.”

The Japan Mobility Show will take place at the Tokyo Big Sight, which is also known as the Tokyo International Exhibition Center. This isn’t surprising, but JAMA said they’re considering expanding the event into areas near the exhibition center as well as the Rinkai Fukutoshin area.  Should this be given the go-ahead, these areas will have “various programs” aimed at making the event “even more enjoyable for one million visitors.”

A number of questions remain, but Automotive News Europe is reporting the head of the show’s organizing committee, Jun Nagata, has suggested the show might try to sway mobility-as-a-service providers into attending. The publication also quoted JAMA Chairman and Toyota President Akio Toyoda as saying “We set a framework for mobility so other industries can join the event. I hope it will be a show that re-energizes Japan.”