10notable developments in Japan’s automotive industry from April to October 2024

Here are ten notable developments in Japan’s automotive industry from April to October 2024:

1. Toyota’s Hydrogen Innovations: Toyota showcased a portable hydrogen cartridge that can generate energy for fuel cells. This innovation aims to make hydrogen a more versatile energy source, not only for vehicles but also for home and public infrastructure【29†source】.
2. Electric Vehicle Sales Slow Growth: While electric vehicle (EV) sales are climbing globally, Japan’s EV adoption remains relatively slow. Despite this, automakers are pushing forward, with plans to increase EV production and support from government incentives【30†source】.
3. Advances in Gigacasting: Japanese automakers are embracing gigacasting technology for large aluminum parts, which streamlines EV production by reducing manufacturing steps. Toyota and other companies are leading this move, which aligns with Japan’s push toward more sustainable vehicle manufacturing【30†source】.
4. Japan Mobility Show 2024: The Japan Mobility Show highlighted cutting-edge mobility and EV tech, with a focus on new transportation models such as eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) and innovative EV battery structures, underscoring Japan’s emphasis on versatile future mobility【29†source】.
5. Substantial Vehicle Sales Growth: Japan’s automotive market has continued its recovery since 2023, with total sales up by 15.8% over the previous year. Japanese manufacturers like Honda and Toyota recorded significant production and sales improvements during this period【31†source】.
6. All-Solid-State Batteries: Toyota has continued to advance all-solid-state battery technology, aiming to enhance battery safety and energy efficiency. This technology could be pivotal for Japan’s electric vehicle market as the industry moves toward next-gen battery solutions【29†source】.
7. Honda’s EV Expansion in China and Japan: Honda announced plans to launch new EV models both domestically and in China, tapping into Asia’s growing EV market. These models will target eco-conscious consumers and align with Japan’s gradual shift from traditional internal combustion engines【30†source】.
8. Japan’s National EV Charging Network: Japan announced plans to expand its EV charging infrastructure significantly by 2030. This move is critical for supporting projected EV growth and aligns with the government’s carbon neutrality goals【30†source】.
9. Honda’s Autonomous Driving Collaborations: Honda has entered partnerships to develop autonomous driving technology, aiming to achieve level-3 automation for select models in Japan. This positions Honda as a key player in the self-driving car space, with plans for broader implementation in the coming years【30†source】.
10. Economic Impact of UAW Strike in the U.S.: The U.S. United Auto Workers (UAW) strike affected Japanese automakers’ U.S. operations and supply chains, highlighting the industry’s interdependence. The strike was notable for its focus on job security concerns amid the shift to EVs【31†source】.

These developments illustrate Japan’s evolving automotive landscape, from hydrogen innovation and gigacasting to battery advancements and policy shifts, positioning Japanese companies to be resilient and forward-thinking amid global shifts.