SMART MOBILITY CITY 2013
NEWSLETTER

vol. 72013.12.2

SMART MOBILITY CITY 2013
The 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013 Organizer-Themed ProjectVehicles of Tomorrow
The 21st century may bring dramatic changes to the design of vehicles.
Such changes will be realized by technological advancement surrounding vehicles. The
development of new power sources such as electricity and fuel cells, and the rise of new materials
such as carbon fiber composites, may someday revolutionize the design of vehicles. If vehicles useelectricity or fuel cells, which give off less heat compared to internal combustion engines, the vehicle
body will no longer be confined to the use of metal such as steel, allowing for the adaptation of newmaterial such as carbon fiber. The evolution of next generation vehicles will be greatly accelerated
by the use of the latest advanced technologies, such as the implementation of solar power
generating roofs, solid hydrogen-type fuel cell systems, and motors that do not use rare metals.
These new technologies, as well as new materials with features that did not exist in prior materials,
will increase the freedom in designing vehicles. It will allow great changes to be made to traditionalframe structures and outside appearances of vehicles, raising expectations toward the realization oftruly innovative and imaginative designs.
We may be close to seeing vehicles with designs that have never been seen before. In the future, it
may become difficult to differentiate between four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles. There may be anevolved version of a quadrupedal walking robot, and many more exciting designs. And with theadvent of such new designs, the values and roles of vehicles within our society and our lives may
also be changed. These changes in the value of vehicles may further enrich and enhance our waysof mobility and our future lifestyles.
If new vehicles are born of the likes that have never been seen before, our lives will surely become
more convenient and enriching. And if such changes revitalize our mobility and our ways ofcommunication, we can also expect to see more elements of fun added to our everyday lifestyles.
The organizer-themed project SMART MOBILITY CITY 2013 is a main event of the Tokyo MotorShow, which is aiming to lead the world as the foremost technology-focused motor show. And it isfrom here that new technologies and designs will be introduced for the next generation.
This is the last of SMC Newsletter which we have sent seven times.
Thank you for your interest till the last. Let's meet you in next Tokyo Motor Show.

1

SMART MOBILITY CITY 2013
NEWSLETTERCOLUMN

Shaping a New Vehicle Culture
I own two treasures that are parked in my garage – a sports carwith a horizontally opposed flat-6 engine, and an SUV with a V8engine. Both of these cars have different characteristics, and I have
driven them for more than 20 years. But when I am driving aroundTokyo, these cars can be a bit overwhelming especially when I amby myself. At one time I entertained adding a compact car that would
be more suitable for city commuting. When I was just about to buy
one, it dawned on me that my house is overflowing with many things.
My colleague has a motto I can’t seem to follow: “if you buy one
thing, then throw one thing away.” However I keep things even if I nolonger need them. Because of this, my home is filled with them. I
was beginning to have doubts about my lifestyle when I realized thatowning another car would be nonsense, whatever the motive behind
it might be and it just isn’t copacetic to be driving around a confinedcity in a big car.

Hitoshi Kikuchi / Pietro
Born in Tokyo in 1946.
A graduate of Keio University, Kikuchi
started working at a major advertisement
agency.
He went independent in 1997, and has
been active as an essayist and artist.
As a writer he is known as Hitoshi Kikuchi,and paints by the name of Pietro.
His writings and illustrations appear
regularly in a variety of magazines. He
has also published many books, including
Tetsu wa Umai!
Solo exhibitions have been held atgalleries such as the Galerie Nichido in
Karuizawa and Tokyo Kaikan Gallery.
He was also the first person to introduce
Dutch ovens to Japan, and is known as“Tetsunabe Ojisan” [Mr. Dutch oven”]. Heserves as the President of the Japan
Dutch Oven Society (www.jdos.com).

That’s when I wondered if it’s possible to fulfill all of my wishes withone vehicle – a commuter car easily maneuverable in a city likeTokyo; a comfortable SUV that can be loaded with luggage forcovering long distances on the expressways; an open-top sports carthat loves spirited driving on mountain passes; and a mini truck that
can tackle many jobs from the ocean to high up on the mountains. If
only one vehicle can serve all of these purposes, that would beterrific. As I was pondering about the impossibility of the existence ofsuch a vehicle, I saw image of the movie Transformers and how therobots changed shape into vehicles as they ran around. This is it, Ithought, this is the ideal vehicle that I want.
What would it be like if I can own a vehicle that could change itself
into any shape while keeping a specific size, function, design, and acomfortable ride? Such a vehicle will be created to reflect the distinct
styles of each auto manufacturers. For example, makers would takepride in the choice of cylinder arrangements for reciprocating
engines – such as in-line, V or W configuration, horizontally-opposed
and radial – as well as where this engine is located and placed.
Each of these layouts would be appealing by offering its own uniquedriving experience, making it delightfully difficult for us consumers todecide what to choose. If one vehicle can be made to answer all ofthese desires, I think it would be amazing progress by which we canenjoy an eco-friendly lifestyle. Perhaps an anthropomorphic vehicle
can be realized in the future.
(Hitoshi Kikuchi）

2

SMART MOBILITY CITY 2013
NEWSLETTER
SMART MOBILITY CITY 2013 Programs at the Venue
Core exhibit

Test Ride

Autonomous vehicle demonstrations

Test Ride

Personal mobility experiences

Test Ride

Personal mobility experiences

Conference

International Symposium

Conference

International Symposium3