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The Future of Transportation Looks Bright at Tokyo Motor Show 2017

By Emily Suzuki - November 3, 2017

Isuzu FD-SI Delivery Vehicle Concept Isuzu's take on the future of mobile delivery is a fascinating one, to say the least. Objects are displayed in the hexagonal pods along the side of the vehicle. Consumers can see the van's offerings from the outside and easily decide what they want to buy. Core77 1 of 127

Isuzu FD-SI Display Pods Core77 2 of 127

Isuzu FD-SI Delivery Vehicle Concept Core77 3 of 127

Isuzu FD-SI Delivery Vehicle Concept Core77 4 of 127

Aero Ace Bus Aero's Ace Bus looks regular at first glance, but its subtle exterior detailing like the flattened and elongated windshield make it stand out from what's already on the road. This bus is also equipped with a small displacement, low fuel consumption engine. Core77 5 of 127

Aero Ace Bus Not pictured: The inside of the bus is sensory overload but too dark to do justice in photos. Inside, the walls are covered in flatscreen tvs that screened a two minute HD video presentation during the show. The tv screens can also function as security camera displays, which was slightly creepy. Core77 6 of 127

Quon CW Dump Truck The future of dump trucks doesn't look so bad. Core77 7 of 127

Collapse Student Concept Envisioned for 2050 This concept buggy was created by a friendly group of Japanese students. When asked what university they attended, they chuckled to themselves and revealed that they're just in high school. That's right, high school—Aichi High School of Technology and Engineering to be exact. Core77 8 of 127

Collapse Student Concept Envisioned for 2050 Collapse actually does completely collapse, making storage and transport a breeze. Its interiors consist of a neon green shag rug and a video game console. Typical design students... Core77 9 of 127

Takayama Cars One of the most thought provoking booths at the entire show was Takayama Cars' "Micro Freedom". Core77 10 of 127

Takayama Cars A face only a mother could love. Core77 11 of 127

The cars of course evoke pure joy, but they also do a great job at blending the design of modern boxy cars in Japan and retro Japanese design (thinking of robotics in particular). 12 of 127

Takayama Cars One of the first things you notice when traveling to Japan is the exaggerated boxy shape of all trucks and vehicles on the road—Takayama cars acknowledges this and takes it three steps further. Core77 13 of 127

Takayama Cars Merging old and new was an overall theme at this year's Tokyo Motor show, and Takayama Cars had the most out-there take on it—even when it came to interiors. Core77 14 of 127

Takayama Cars MORO EV KITCHENCAR Core77 15 of 127

Takayama Cars Mr. Takayama himself says his dream is to spread awareness of his radical concepts to the US market in the near future. Could you see these cars being driven in the States? Core77 16 of 127

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Takayama Cars 18 of 127

Audi Dashboard Multiple screens to the right of the steering console display maps, music or simply what's on your phone at the time. The wrist rest is a nice touch. Core77 19 of 127

Audi Dashboard Core77 20 of 127

1948 Porsche 356 Speedster Porsche also found a way to combine old and new. When first approaching their booth, this beauty from the Porsche Museum is the first thing you see. Core77 21 of 127

1948 Porsche 356 Speedster 22 of 127

Porsche Panamera VR Experience Then you see this... the Porsche Panamera VR experience. Quite a difference. Core77 23 of 127

Porsche Panamera VR Experience Core77 24 of 127

Lexus LS+ Concept Lexus was showing off their LS+ Concept, which is basically an upgraded version of the LS. Core77 25 of 127

Lexus LS+ Concept The autonomous car has all the latest technology to help make autonomous driving safe, including the currently in development technology, "Urban Teammate". Core77 26 of 127

Lexus LS+ Concept Core77 27 of 127

Lexus LS+ Concept Apparently it even drove itself on stage at the show, which we sadly missed. Core77 28 of 127

Lexus LS+ Concept Sweet rims! Core77 29 of 127

Volkswagen I.D. Buzz I was thrilled to see VW's I.D. Buzz electric mini bus on display at the show. Core77 30 of 127

Volkswagen I.D. Buzz In general, the show placed less focus on autonomous vehicles and more focus on realistic steps towards energy efficiency and integrating technology in useful ways. Core77 31 of 127

Volkswagen I.D. Buzz This mini bus concept is capable of cruising up to 600 km (about 373 miles). Core77 32 of 127

Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Core77 33 of 127

Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Core77 34 of 127

Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Core77 35 of 127

Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Core77 36 of 127

Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Interior 37 of 127

Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Interior 38 of 127

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Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Interior 42 of 127

Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Interior While there wasn't a spokesperson from VW on hand to ask about design details, it looks like the interior fixtures can move around via some type of built-in track system. Core77 43 of 127

Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Interior 44 of 127

Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION Concept This sleek SUV concept from Mitsubishi employs a triple motor system. Core77 45 of 127

Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION Concept 46 of 127

Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION Concept 47 of 127

Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION Concept A detail that showed some of the most dramatic variation amongst concept cars from all brands was grille design. With their e-EVOLUTION concept, Mitsubishi went the subtly hidden route. The top of the grille features a glass layer to protect all the cameras and sensors inside. Core77 48 of 127

Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION Concept 49 of 127

Mitsubishi Electric EMIRAI 4 Concept Mitsubishi Electric went bold and unveiled this other worldly autonomous car at the show. Core77 50 of 127

Mitsubishi Electric EMIRAI 4 Concept Did I mention it's autonomous? Core77 51 of 127

Mitsubishi Electric EMIRAI 4 Concept Core77 52 of 127

Mitsubishi Electric EMIRAI 4 Concept Learn more here. Core77 53 of 127

Nissan IMx Concept A closer look at Nissan's version of the autonomous vehicle. Core77 54 of 127

Nissan IMx Concept Core77 55 of 127

Nissan IMx Concept As an added safety measure, this car emits a song-like tone to warn pedestrians of its presence. Core77 56 of 127

Nissan IMx Concept Core77 57 of 127

Nissan IMx Concept Core77 58 of 127

Honda Neo Sports Café Concept This concept isn't new as new as some of the rest but still an interesting take on future motorcycles. Core77 59 of 127

Honda Neo Sports Café Concept Core77 60 of 127

Honda Urban EV Concept Honda's Urban EV Concept take on a more personified edge ("Hello!"), but even so, their design language isn't so outlandish, and the pearly white matte finish is surprisingly sophisticated. Core77 61 of 127

Honda Urban EV Concept Core77 62 of 127

Honda Urban EV Concept Core77 63 of 127

Honda Urban EV Concept Core77 64 of 127

Honda Sports EV Concept Many of the concept vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show were shockingly realistic. Making its world premiere at this year's Tokyo Motor Show, Honda's Sports EV concept was no exception. The car was a clear fan favorite, and its easy to see why. Core77 65 of 127

Honda Sports EV Concept The car's retro design takes the trend further than all the other concepts seen at the show, making it familiar and relatable, yet still fresh and exciting. Core77 66 of 127

Honda Sports EV Concept Core77 67 of 127

Honda Sports EV Concept Honda's Urban and Sports EV Concepts take on a more personified edge ("Hello!"), but even so, Honda's design language isn't so outlandish here, and the pearly white matte finish on both cars is surprisingly sophisticated. Core77 68 of 127

Honda NeuV Introduced for the first time in Japan, the EV commuter concept model is equipped with AI and automated driving capabilities. Core77 69 of 127

Honda NeuV The car's system determines the driver's stress level from facial expressions and voice tones to support safer driving. Core77 70 of 127

Honda NeuV Core77 71 of 127

Honda Riding Assist-e Here's a cool all electric self-balancing motorcycle from Honda. The thing can stand on its own with or without a rider. Core77 72 of 127

Honda Riding Assist-e Apparently Honda modeled the balancing technology after a walking humanoid they recently developed. Core77 73 of 127

Honda Super Cub 100 To celebrate the 60th anniversary of their Super Cub series, Honda held a beautiful Super Club display. The company also released the Super Cub Concept specifically for the show, which you can see in this motorcycle-specific roundup. Core77 74 of 127

Honda Super Cub 100 Core77 75 of 127

Honda CT110 Core77 76 of 127

Honda CT110 Core77 77 of 127

Honda Super Cub 50 Core77 78 of 127

Honda Super Cub 50 Core77 79 of 127

Honda Super Cub 50 Core77 80 of 127

Suzuki e-SURVIVOR Suzuki's vision for the future compact SUV is an intense one. Core77 81 of 127

Suzuki e-SURVIVOR Especially the glowing rims. Core77 82 of 127

Suzuki e-SURVIVOR Core77 83 of 127

Suzuki e-SURVIVOR Core77 84 of 127

Suzuki Spacia Concept Inspired by suitcases, this tall miniwagon has a fun design with details we couldn't get enough of—like denim accented seats. Core77 85 of 127

Suzuki Spacia Concept Core77 86 of 127

Suzuki Spacia Concept Core77 87 of 127

Suzuki Spacia Concept Interior Core77 88 of 127

Suzuki Spacia Concept Interior Core77 89 of 127

Suzuki Carry Open-Air Market Concept The Carry Open-Air Market Concept is designed as a mobile shop truck at an open-air market with enhanced cabin space and user-friendliness. The truck's cover opens up to reveal a full produce display. Core77 90 of 127

Yamaha MOTOROiD According to Yamaha, this futuristic ride is able to "recognize its owner and interact in other capacities like a living creature". Oh, good. Core77 91 of 127

Yamaha MWC-4 Inspired by musical instruments (which makes sense for Yamaha), this Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) vehicle has two wheels up front and in the rear. Core77 92 of 127

Yamaha MWC-4 Yamaha's goal with this vehicle was maximum comfort for the driver. Core77 93 of 127

Yamaha TRITOWN Scooter The TRITOWN electric vehicle utilizes Yamaha's Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) mechanism and is ridden standing up. The rider is able to use their balance to control steering. It can also be kept upright at a stop with the rider on board. Core77 94 of 127

Citroën C3 Core77 95 of 127

Citroën C3 This Citroën car incorporates the company's Airbump® panels on the sides for extra protection. Core77 96 of 127

CMF Details at the Citroën Booth Core77 97 of 127

Daihatsu DN Compagno Core77 98 of 127

Daihatsu DN Compagno Core77 99 of 127

Daihatsu's DN Pro Cargo Concept Subtly woven throughout the shiny futuristic vehicles was an emphasis on Japan-specific cultural trends, most prominently the aging population the country is now struggling to care for. From large-scale vans with wheelchair access to personal mobility devices, the elderly and disabled populations were not forgotten at the Tokyo Motor Show - in fact, it seemed as though the industry as a whole was actively promoting new ways to give the two communities access to mobility in more efficient ways. Core77 100 of 127

Daihatsu's DN Pro Cargo Concept Core77 101 of 127

Daihatsu's DN Pro Cargo Concept Core77 102 of 127

Daihatsu's DN Pro Cargo Concept Core77 103 of 127

Daihatsu's DN Pro Cargo Concept Core77 104 of 127

Daihatsu's DN Pro Cargo Concept Core77 105 of 127

Daihatsu DN U-SPACE Core77 106 of 127

Daihatsu DN U-SPACE Core77 107 of 127

Daihatsu DN U-SPACE Core77 108 of 127

Mazda Vision Coupe Concept Most of the concept vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show were shockingly realistic. A great example of this was Mazda's incredibly striking Vision Coupe Concept. Core77 109 of 127

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Mazda Vision Coupe Mazda USA Design Lead Julien Montousse pointed out that the most noticible design change they'd need to make in order to bring the Vision Coupe to market would be rounding out the front to make it less dangerous to pedestrians. Core77 111 of 127

Mazda Vision Coupe Mazda's design language, KODO Design, speaks to the idea of subtly weaving technology into futuristic vehicles rather than flaunting it, so the shocking yet low-profile concepts they unveiled at the show make perfect sense. Core77 112 of 127

Mazda Vision Coupe Mazda still uses clay to produce original concept models, which can be seen in the organic fluidity of the car's structure. Core77 113 of 127

Mazda Kai Concept Mazda is one of the few companies at the show showing off concepts that use combustion engines instead of going fully electric. Core77 114 of 127

Mazda Kai Concept By keeping it classic, Mazda's goal is to keep appealing to their core car enthusiast audience. Core77 115 of 127

Mazda Kai Concept Core77 116 of 127

Toyota Booth From a design perspective, Toyota had the most exciting visual display. Core77 117 of 127

Toyota TJ Cruiser Learn more about Toyota's new toolbox-based truck design here. Core77 118 of 127

Toyota TJ Cruiser Core77 119 of 127

Toyota Concept i RIDE This concept from Toyota uses an AI system that aims to utilize all 5 senses. Core77 120 of 127

Toyota Concept i RIDE This lil' guy is another example of a car designed to make getting around easier for the elderly and disabled—it even has room for a folded wheelchair in the back. Core77 121 of 127

Toyota Concept i RIDE The coolest part about this car is that it utilizes only hand controls in replace of a steering wheel and pedals. Core77 122 of 127

Toyota Fine Comfort Ride Concept This concept form Toyota is mainly electric and uses hydrogen as an energy source. Core77 123 of 127

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Toyota Fine Comfort Ride Concept Note that Toyota almost opted out of a grille completely, showing only hints of the familiar car design detail—a trend amongst many of the concept cars at the show. Core77 125 of 127

Toyota Fuel Cell Bus A small dose of Toyota's Fuel Cell Bus was already put into use by the Bureau of Transportation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government earlier this year, with plans for added units in the near future. Core77 126 of 127

Toyota Fuel Cell Bus Wheel Detail We really appreciated some of the design details the bus had to offer, including electronic displays built into the busses exterior and hooded wheels. Core77 127 of 127

This year's edition of the Tokyo Motor Show was all about the concept vehicle. Placing emphasis on what's to come next in the transportation industry, each exhibiting company flaunted their vision of the future vehicle on dramatic rotating stages under massive spotlights. With crowds fighting to photograph the exciting concepts even during press day (elbows were thrown), it's safe to say this year wowed everyone, from car buffs to design enthusiasts like us.

"Motor" is a term used very lightly at the Tokyo Motor Show, as the exhibition wasn't strictly comprised of cars—instead it encompassed everything the transportation industry is currently working on, from cars to jet-skis to full on city busses and beyond. The wonderful part about that is, of course, the endless transportation options to feast your eyes on. However, the impossibility to physically see everything in one day, leaving with fear you've missed out on a new self-driving ambulance or something, is quite unsettling.

What you see here is an overview of the most boundary-pushing vehicles we saw during the show, from big names to lesser-known gems we were enthused to discover along the way.

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Emily Suzuki

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Emily is the Content Marketing Manager of Autodesk Fusion 360 where she focuses on shaping the overall Fusion 360 content strategy, including the Fusion 360 blog and social media directions. Prior to Autodesk, Emily was the DMTV Content Coordinator at Design Milk, the Business Editor at HYPEBEAST and an Editor at Core77. During her time at Core77, she also served as co-chair of the 2018 & 2019 Core77 Conferences.