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The Future of Transportation Looks Bright at Tokyo Motor Show 2017

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. 

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.

Photo credit: Core77

Isuzu FD-SI Display Pods

Photo credit: Core77

Isuzu FD-SI Delivery Vehicle Concept

Photo credit: Core77

Isuzu FD-SI Delivery Vehicle Concept

Photo credit: Core77

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.

Photo credit: Core77

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.

Photo credit: Core77

Quon CW Dump Truck

The future of dump trucks doesn’t look so bad.

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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.

Photo credit: Core77

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…

Photo credit: Core77

Takayama Cars

One of the most thought provoking booths at the entire show was Takayama Cars’ “Micro Freedom”.

Photo credit: Core77