Daihatsu joins Toyota’s larger showcase at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, taking part in a series of concept car debuts that highlight each brand’s vision for the future. Among them is the Midget X, a fully electric concept designed to bring one of Daihatsu’s classic nameplates into a new era.

More: Daihatsu To Host A Funeral For Its Copen Roadster Before Killing It

The Midget is a pint-sized workhorse with a big personality. Born in 1957 as a tiny three-wheeler for shopkeepers and delivery drivers, it zipped through Japan’s narrow streets with motorcycle-like agility.

The model returned in 1996 as the Midget II, blending nostalgic styling with a can-do spirit. Production ended in 2001, but it seems Daihatsu isn’t quite ready to let the story end there.

A Tiny Classic Recharged

The Midget X concept appeared in a short teaser ahead of its official debut in Tokyo later this month. Now, the model has been reborn as a tiny LCV with an electric powertrain.

Its exterior design nods to the original Midget lineage, featuring round LED headlights and a helicopter-style windshield. It also has semi-exposed wheels with integrated lights and a battery charge indicator on the profile.

Inside, the cabin adopts a central driving position with an unconventional steering wheel flanked by two passenger seats. The concept shown includes a backpack-style storage compartment and an extended rear bed, although more variants could follow. Another cool feature is the rotational handle design for the rear hinged doors.

Daihatsu

Daihatsu hasn’t released technical specifications yet, only noting that “because it’s small, it can fit into a variety of lifestyles,” and that the company “aims to make everyone happy.”

Carrying the Torch

The Midget X stands as the next chapter in Daihatsu’s story, carrying forward the legacy of some of its most influential models. Among them are the original Midget three-wheeler, the fourth-generation Hijet LCV, the first-gen Charade hatchback, the sporty Mira TR-XX, the Copen roadster, the second-gen Tanto kei car, and the Nibako mobility service that transforms LCVs into mobile shops.

More: Toyota Shows Its Vision For Future Corolla Sedan

For now, the Midget X remains a concept. Even so, it wouldn’t be surprising if it eventually transitions into a production model, potentially for both Japan and export markets. More details will follow once the Japan Mobility Show opens its doors, and we’ll update this story as soon as new information becomes available

Like they say, life goes on. While the Nissan Ariya may be on its way out of the U.S. lineup after the 2025 model year, a refreshed version has just broken cover in Japan. The facelifted electric crossover will be unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, where it will share the spotlight with the next-generation Elgrand minivan and several other new arrivals.

Originally introduced in 2020, the Ariya didn’t enter production until 2022. Three years on, Nissan has decided it’s time for a thorough update to keep the electric SUV looking fresh against an ever-growing list of rivals.

New Looks and Tech

The most noticeable change is the redesigned front end, which adopts a cleaner, grille-free appearance paired with Leaf-inspired LED headlights. The bumper has been reworked for a simpler look that drops the previous side intakes, while the lower intake gains a more restrained shape. The fog lights have quietly disappeared as well, streamlining the overall design.

More: Nissan’s Most Expensive Leaf Yet Misses Out On A Key Feature

The profile is carried over, but the five spoke alloy wheels have gained a new texture, combined with a fresh color option for the exterior. Nissan didn’t share photos of the rear end, where we expect more subtle updates.

Besides the new looks, the Ariya will gain a Google-powered infotainment, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, and a revised suspension setup “tailored for Japanese roads”. There is no word on any changes to the electric powertrain options and battery packs.

Underneath, a revised suspension setup tuned specifically for Japanese roads aims to deliver a more composed and comfortable drive. So far, Nissan hasn’t mentioned any updates to the electric powertrain or battery options.

The refreshed Ariya will reach Japanese showrooms later in the fiscal year. Whether it returns to the U.S. market for the 2027 model year remains uncertain.

The facelifted Nissan Ariya (above) and the teasers for the next-generation Elgrand (below).

The Next-Gen Elgrand Steps Forward

Another major highlight of Nissan’s Tokyo showcase will be the all-new, fourth-generation Elgrand. Previewed through earlier teasers, the new model takes inspiration from the futuristic-looking 2023 Hyper Tourer concept.

More: Nissan Turned The Dacia Duster Into A Baby Armada

At the front, it features a sculpted nose with pixel-like LEDs and body-colored elements blending with its covered grille. We can also see it has sliding doors, more curves on its boxy silhouette, and full-width taillights.

Under the skin, the Elgrand will use Nissan’s third-generation e-Power hybrid setup. This combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that acts purely as a generator with electric motors driving the wheels, resulting in smooth, quiet performance and improved efficiency.

The new hybrid configuration positions the Elgrand to compete more directly with the Toyota Alphard. Nissan also promises an upgraded interior with enhanced comfort, finer materials, and more advanced driver-assistance technology.

The market launch of the all-new Elgrand is expected in 2026. The previous generations debuted in 1997, 2002, and 2010 respectively.

Expanding Mobility Concepts

In addition to its production vehicles, Nissan will present an autonomous mobility service prototype based on the Serena minivan. The pilot program begins in November near Nissan’s Yokohama headquarters, aiming to test transport solutions for Japan’s aging population.

The brand’s booth will also feature a full roster of vehicles, including the newly launched Leaf, the next-generation Roox kei car, the recently facelifted X-Trail Rock Creek, the Fairlady Z, and the upcoming 2026 Skyline 400R Limited Edition.

More: Nissan’s Nismo SUV Takes On GR Sport RAV4 But Skips The One Thing That Matters

Furthermore, visitors will be able to check out the Micra EV subcompact hatchback from Europe, the N7 electric sedan from China, and the Patrol flagship SUV from the Middle East. Finally, Nissan will showcase the GEN3 Formula E car from Season 11 that helped win the driver’s championship title.

The Japan Mobility Show 2025 will be held at the Tokyo Big Sight between October 31 and November 9. However, Nissan’s press conference will be livestreamed on the first media day that takes place on October 29.

Nissan

The latest generation of the Nissan Leaf has arrived in Japan, marking its official launch in the brand’s home market after making its first appearance in North America earlier this year.

The all-electric fastback crossover retains much of its global character but introduces a few domestic-market distinctions, including an Autech edition that leans more toward a sportier, higher-end feel, within the practical and monetary constraints of the category.

At 4,360 mm (171.7 inches) long, the Japanese Leaf is 44 mm (1.7 inches) shorter than the version sold in the United States. Like its European counterpart, it omits amber indicators, while the rest of the design remains the same. Only the range-topping model gets the distinctive Z-inspired LED taillights, which lend a sharper look to the rear end

More: Nissan Says An AWD Leaf Could Happen, But Isn’t Sure It Should

Inside, the Japanese Leaf comes equipped with twin 12.3-inch displays, though it skips the larger 14.3-inch setup offered elsewhere. What it lacks in screen size, it makes up for in equipment, featuring an optional dimming panoramic glass roof, a 10-speaker Bose Plus Sound System, and V2H (Vehicle to Home) capability.

Autech Adds Visual Drama

Nissan’s in-house Autech division has given the Leaf a sportier presence. The bespoke bodykit introduces a prominent splitter with aluminum accents that continue across the side inserts, mirror caps, and rear skirt. A black grille, blue daytime running lights, unique bumper detailing, and Autech badging round out the looks.

Nissan

The Leaf Autech also sits on exclusive 19-inch aluminum wheels and can be specified in Deep Ocean Blue paired with a Super Black roof. Buyers can also choose from Prism White with Super Black or a full Midnight Black finish.

More: Nissan Will Build A Leaf NISMO If Enough Of You Shout Loud Enough

As with most Autech models, the dark-themed interior is more premium than the standard Leaf. It stands out thanks to the black upholstery with blue stitching and piping. It also comes with a unique pattern and Autech embroidery on the seats, special seatbelts, and branded floor mats.

Even without the larger dual-screen cockpit seen in other markets, equipment levels remain generous, including cold-weather amenities such as heated rear seats.

Specifications And Range

At launch, the Japanese Leaf is available exclusively in B7 form, offered in two trims, X and G. Power comes from a single electric motor producing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 355 Nm (261.8 lb-ft) of torque, sent to the front wheels. The Autech variant shares this setup, meaning there are no added performance or chassis tweaks beyond its sharper styling.

The 78 kWh battery promises an impressive 702 km (436 miles) of range under the WLTC cycle, which tends to be more optimistic than Europe’s WLTP (604 km / 375 miles) and America’s EPA estimate (488 km / 303 miles).

An entry-level B5 model, with a smaller battery and less power, will join the range later, along with a corresponding Autech version for those wanting the look without the higher spec.

Pricing

Pricing for the Japanese-market Leaf starts at ¥5,188,700 (around $34,000) for the B7 X trim, rising to ¥5,999,400 ($39,300) for the top-spec B7 G. The Autech commands a higher entry price at ¥6,513,100 ($42,700), with optional extras pushing it higher still. Deliveries across Japan are expected to begin in early 2026.

In the United States, pricing remains more accessible, with the entry-level S starting at $25,360 and the Platinum+ topping out at $38,990.

Nissan

Interest in small EVs continues to grow, and this year’s Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo looks set to highlight how compact design and electric efficiency can go hand in hand. Suzuki’s lineup for 2025 brings that idea to life with a mix of concept and production models.

The company’s showcase is headlined by the world premiere of the Vision e-Sky concept, a preview of a fully electric kei car that will enter production in the near future.

Compact Optimism

According to the company, the minicar is designed for daily commuting and short weekend trips. It follows the theme of “Unique, Smart, Positive” and aims to evoke a “cheerful” mood. It also appears to be the first vehicle to adopt Suzuki’s redesigned logo, featuring a flatter design and a matte aluminum finish.

More: Suzuki Irons Out A New Logo For The First Time In Over 20 Years

The Vision e-Sky adopts a hatchback silhouette with a short hood, minimal overhangs, a floating roof, and clean surfacing. The C-shaped LED headlights are combined with an illuminated grille and matching taillights. It rides on futuristic aero-style wheel covers and features flush door handles, although these might change for production.

In line with kei car packaging regulations, the EV measures 3,395 mm (133.7 inches) long, 1,475 mm (58.1 inches) wide, and 1,625 mm (64 inches) tall. Suzuki didn’t reveal the specifications of the electric motor or the battery pack but promises a driving range of over 270 km (168 miles) between charges.

Suzuki

The interior looks close to production status. It features a digital cockpit, a floating center tunnel, ambient lighting, and a dashboard that doubles as a tray. We can also see touch-sensitive A/C controls, a futuristic steering wheel with integrated buttons, and new seats with purple headrests.

More: Suzuki’s Quirky Crossover Hides More Than A Fresh Face

The production version of the Vision e-Sky will arrive within the Japanese fiscal year 2026, which ends on March 31, 2027. As with the rest of Suzuki’s kei car lineup, sales will most likely be limited in Japan.

Other Exhibits

The Vision e-Sky will be joined by several two- and four-wheel vehicles, along with robots, micro-mobility solutions and outboard motors from Suzuki’s product lineup.

Among the automobiles we find the e Every Concept, an electric kei van with a 200 km (124-mile) range. First shown in 2023, it will soon evolve into a production model alongside the identical Daihatsu Hijet and Toyota Pixis Van.

Suzuki will also display the Fronx FFV Concept, powered by ethanol, and the Vitoris CBG that runs on CNG. As for production vehicles, visitors will be able to check out the new Suzuki XBee, along with the Spacia, e-Vitara, and Jimny Nomad.

Suzuki

Two Wheels and More

In the two-wheel segment, Suzuki will showcase a fully electric version of the classic VanVan motorcycle updated with modern styling cues and LED lighting.

It will be joined by the e-Address production electric scooter, the DR-Z4SM supermoto, the retro-flavored GSX-8T and GSX-8TT production motorcycles, the GSX-R1000R superbike, the ethanol-powered GIXXER SF 250 FFV, a hydrogen-powered version of the Burgman, and the e-PO folding electric bicycle.

More: Honda To Reveal Two Mystery World Premieres At Tokyo Show

The company will also display a range of mobility solutions, some of which are evolved versions of earlier 2023 concepts. These include the MOQBA 2, a four-legged platform that can carry people or products, the SUZU-RIDE 2, a four-wheeled personal mobility scooter, and the Glydways, an autonomous pod designed for car sharing.

Finally, the MITRA concept is a tiny four-wheeled electric vehicle with AI tech designed to serve as undercarriage for a variety of robots.

The Japan Mobility Show 2025 will open its doors to the public from October 24 to November 3 at the Tokyo Big Sight convention center in the Ariake district.

Suzuki

While most agree that the facelifted Model 3 that was unveiled two years ago is an improvement over the model it replaced, there’s one aspect that many dislike about the new model: the absence of a turn signal stalk. For some unexplained reason, Tesla decided to move the signals to the steering wheel. Others, like Ferrari, have done the same, but Elon Musk’s products are targeting a much wider audience.

Read: Tesla Quietly Brings Back Turn Signal Stalks To Model 3 After Years Of Complaints

However, much to our surprise, traditional stalks are making a comeback, but so far only on Asian-delivered Model 3s in three specific markets. This week, Tesla previewed an updated Model 3 that will be sold in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. In its promotional material, the brand revealed that the tweaked Model 3 includes a stalk for the turn signal positioned on the steering column, just as it should be.

A Quiet Reversal

The reappearance of the stalk isn’t entirely new. Beyond keeping them on the refreshed Model Y, Tesla also quietly brought it back for the Chinese-market Model 3 in August, even offering retrofits for older cars at 2,499 yuan, or about $350. This rollout now extends to three more countries, suggesting Tesla has fully reintroduced the hardware into its production line.

In addition to reintroducing a stalk for the Model 3 in Asia, the company has fitted a front-facing camera on the bumper. It’s a feature Tesla fans have been requesting for years, and it should make squeezing into tight spaces noticeably less stressful.

What About The US?

Despite those changes in cars sold in Asia, Tesla has yet to confirm if it will make the same small additions to American ones, but we think it’d be weird not to. Evidently, it has found suppliers for these parts and has all the tooling to install them, so it’ll simply be a matter of adding them to US-built cars.

🔥 Tesla has launched an updated Model 3 in select Asian countries, featuring:

✅ Front bumper camera
✅ Turn signal stalk
✅ No front logo

Available in:
🇯🇵 Japan
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇹🇼 Taiwan https://t.co/0B0coCN0pc pic.twitter.com/xQJmgMZlbV

— The Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) October 1, 2025

Sales momentum keeps building for Toyota, with last month’s modest increase adding to what has already been a strong run through the first eight months of the year. At the current pace, Toyota looks set to surpass the 10.8 million vehicles it sold globally in 2024.

But a closer look at the company’s latest report uncovers some striking details, or anomalies if you will, including the fact that only 18 battery-electric vehicles were sold in its home market of Japan during August.

Read: Toyota Finally Blinks As Europe’s EV Market Closes In

The good news for Toyota is that this year, the company has sold 7,409,273 vehicles across the Toyota, Daihatsu, Hino, and Lexus brands. This represents a 6.2 percent increase over last year. That said, August growth slowed to 900,598 units, down 1.3 percent year on year. More concerning was the drop at home, where Toyota’s group sales in Japan fell 10.2 percent in August despite being up 17.8 percent across the year so far.

Excluding Daihatsu and Hino, Toyota and Lexus deliveries in Japan dropped 12.1 percent last month to 96,269 units. The slowdown has been linked to operational setbacks and delayed deliveries connected with issues in the Kamchatka Peninsula, alongside lingering fallout from a wide-ranging Prius recall last year.

Toyota’s BEV Sales

The report also highlights how Toyota and Lexus are faring with electrified models. Globally, year-to-date EV sales climbed 20.6 percent to 117,031 units. Yet in Japan, the story is very different. Sales of battery-electric vehicles collapsed by 84.9 percent in August, amounting to only 18 units. Over the first eight months, the total was just 469 BEVs in Toyota’s home market, down 71.1 percent.

This decline comes despite overall electrified vehicles in Japan rising 8.8 percent this year to 617,947 units. The vast majority of these are Toyota’s traditional hybrid models, accounting for 603,676 sales. It has then sold 13,551 plug-in hybrids in Japan this year and 251 hydrogen fuel-cell models.

Growth Abroad

Outside Japan, Toyota’s EV business is heading in the opposite direction. Global demand has strengthened, with 117,031 EVs sold this year, a solid 20.6 percent increase. August proved especially strong, with 17,056 units delivered, marking a 34.5 percent rise compared with the same month last year.

The all-new Nissan Leaf arrives with the weight of expectation on its shoulders. For Nissan, this car is meant to mark a return to prominence in the electric vehicle space, yet its launch has stumbled out of the gate. Production is set to be cut back from September through November as the company grapples with delays in securing enough battery packs to keep assembly lines moving.

Read: Nissan Takes A Leaf From The Z For Its Mass Market EV

Nissan is currently building the new Leaf at its Japanese plant in the Tochigi prefecture but particularly steep reductions are being made next month and throughout October, with thousands fewer examples now expected to be built.

Battery Bottleneck

According to a report from Nikkei Asia, the Leaf’s batteries are supplied by AESC, but production yields haven’t ramped up as quickly as anticipated. The result is a shortfall that could begin to limit availability in showrooms if it continues. For a car expected to carry so much significance, that’s an awkward complication at the very start of its life.

Underpinning the Leaf is the same CMF-EV platform as the larger Ariya. The entry-level version confirmed for the American market uses a 52 kWh battery pack driving a single electric motor at the front wheels with 174 hp and 254 lb-ft (345 Nm) of torque.

Nissan will also sell the Leaf with a larger 75 kWh pack that’s paired to an electric motor delivering 214 hp and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm). Nissan says the 75 kWh version has a driving range of 303 miles or 488 km.

Pricing and Availability

In addition to selling the new Leaf in the US, it’s been confirmed for launches in Japan and Europe, with other markets expected to follow. Likely the single most important determining factor about whether or not it will be a success will be its starting price.

Nissan recently confirmed that prices for the 2026 Leaf will start at $29,990, making it the cheapest EV on sale in the country, and only representing a small price hike over the decade-old model it replaces. Perhaps even more interesting is the fact that an even cheaper version is in the works, although prices for it have yet to be revealed.

Toyota has launched a curious new product aimed at “various mobility services.” The Toyota e-Palette is a fully electric shuttle designed to work with autonomous driving hardware and software, and it can double as a mobile shop or service hub. After years of concepts and prototypes, the quirky EV has officially gone on sale in Japan, though its asking price may drop a few jaws.

From Concept To Reality

The project began with the e-Palette concept, which made its debut at CES in 2018. It was followed by a redesigned version, created for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. Since then, Toyota has continued refining the design, culminating in the first commercially available e-Palette variant.

More: Toyota Launches Most Rugged GR Sport Land Cruiser Yet

Visually, it retains much of the original concept’s DNA. Its symmetrical, boxy silhouette, tiny wheels, and large glass panels give it a distinctly shuttle-like character. The “friendly” face is defined by round LED headlights, customizable digital signage, and a repositioned Toyota badge sitting above the bumper intake.

For production, Toyota added larger side windows and slim indicators on the windshield frame, while the rear end mirrors the front aside from red taillights and solid pillars.

Toyota

Fits Up To 17 People Inside

Unlike earlier prototypes that only offered passenger seating, the production e-Palette adds a central driving position with a yoke-style steering wheel and a steer-by-wire system. The cockpit features a central digital instrument cluster, an infotainment display on the right, another touchscreen on the left, and a fourth monitor for cabin monitoring. Essential functions are handled by physical buttons on twin control panels.

More: Toyota’s New Minivan Lets You Create A Lounge, Office Or Bedroom Inside

A low, height-adjustable floor, wide sliding doors, and a deployable ramp make access straightforward, particularly for wheelchair users and parents with strollers. Inside, four fixed seats line the rear, complemented by three side-hinged folding seats in the center. Toyota says the cabin can hold up to 17 people in total, including 12 standing, four seated, and the driver. That’s less shuttle, more party bus.

Buyers can also opt for a wheelchair lock system and a large overhead digital display, echoing public transit design. More importantly, the interior layout can be customized, transforming the EV into an entertainment pod or a pop-up store. Toyota imagines it shuttling commuters in the morning, transforming into a food truck at lunch, then acting as a sports viewing pod in the evening while charging.

Autonomous-Ready Shuttle

While earlier prototypes boasted full autonomy (with an operator for safety), the production e-Palette is currently limited to Level 2 driver assistance. However, Toyota stresses it is “capable of supporting automated driving” through optional third-party hardware and software upgrades called “Automated Driving Kit”.

More: Waymo Quietly Moves Ahead Of Tesla In The Race For Robotaxis

The automaker plans to conduct automated driving demonstrations with dealers and local governments in Japan. Their goal is to launch vehicles with Level 4 autonomous systems in the fiscal year 2027, which ends on March 30, 2028.

Fully Electric With A 160-Mile Range

The e-Palette measures 4,950 mm (194.9 in) in length, roughly the same as a Land Cruiser Prado. Where it differs is in width and height, stretching to 2,080 mm (81.9 in) wide and 2,650 mm (104.3 in) tall, giving it a much boxier footprint than the truck-based SUV. It also weighs in at a hefty 2,950 kg (6,504 lbs).

Power comes from a single electric motor delivering 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 266 Nm (196.2 lb-ft) of torque, with top speed capped at 80 km/h (50 mph). That’s a big step up from the 20 km/h (12 mph) top speed of the Olympic Games prototype.

A 72.82 kWh battery provides up to 250 km (160 miles) of range. Toyota claims the battery can charge to 80% in around 40 minutes with rapid charging, or 12 hours from a standard outlet. Furthermore, the shuttle can also serve as an emergency power source.

An Extra-Terrestrial Price

All of this sounds appealing until you get to the price. The Toyota e-Palette is listed in Japan at an eye-watering ¥29 million ($196,400) before options. This is almost double the price of the GR Supra Final Edition, surpassing even the ¥27 million ($182,800) price tag of the Century SUV flagship, making it the most expensive model in Toyota’s range.

Generous subsidies from Japan’s Ministry of the Environment can cut as much as ¥15,835,000 ($107,200) off the sticker, softening the blow. Toyota hasn’t revealed production numbers, but notes the e-Palette will be built to order, which partly explains the sky-high cost.

Initially, the model will be used in the Toyota Arena Tokyo and the surrounding areas, as well as in the futuristic Toyota Woven City in Japan. Below, you can check out videos of earlier e-Palette prototypes.

The automotive industry never stops moving, and the latest on Toyota proves it. The Japanese automaker is reportedly moving production of the next Lexus ES from the U.S. back to Japan. On the flip side, it’ll begin building two new electric SUVs, including one that’ll likely carry the Land Cruiser name, here in Kentucky.

More: Toyota’s Lineup Overhaul Could Include A Surprise Sedan And Electric Highlander

This shouldn’t come as a wild surprise because Toyota has hinted at an electric Land Cruiser for a few years. In addition, sedan sales are slowing in the States while crossovers and SUVs continue their trend of popularity. To that end, by focusing on building and selling SUVs in the States, rather than sedans, Toyota can also avoid tariffs on its most popular models.

EVs Based On Familiar Nameplates

According to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters, the upcoming EVs “will be based on the Land Cruiser and RAV4”. While the phrasing suggests they could be directly derived from those models, it’s also possible the source meant they may simply carry those names, even if the underlying vehicles differ.

The Land Cruiser Se concept, first shown in 2023, lines right up with an electrified version of the popluar off-roader. It was a sleek, three-row EV designed to complement the retro-inspired two-row Land Cruiser currently on sale here in the States as well as the larger 300 series model in overseas markets.

See: This Is The New Toyota FJ Cruiser You’ve Been Waiting For

Another, though less likely, candidate for the Land Cruiser name is the long-rumored compact SUV often referred to as the FJ Cruiser. Given its size, it doesn’t seem suited for a three-row layout. Regardless, reports suggest it could be offered with both electric and hybrid powertrains. Toyota teased a shadowy image of the model a couple of years ago and more recently filed patent images believed to show the production version.

RAV4 EV Could Be Key

The second model, described as a three-row RAV4-based electric SUV, may prove even more crucial for the brand’s strategy. The RAV4 is America’s third-best-selling vehicle so far this year. A family-sized EV positioned closer to the familiar RAV4 branding could give Toyota’s electric lineup the boost that the bZ4X hasn’t. If an electric RAV4 can be anywhere near as popular as the gas model, it’ll be a huge win.

Lexus Production Shifts

On the other hand, Toyota will shift production of the next-generation Lexus ES back to Japan, a move the company first hinted at in 2021. With tariffs in play, we’re not sure if the decision makes sense today, but it may also reflect Toyota reading the market and recognizing the continued decline of sedan sales. Meanwhile, production of the Lexus TX will stay in Indiana, where the same factory is also expected to increase output of the Grand Highlander.

Would you be interested in an electric RAV4 or Land Cruiser? Tell us your thoughts below!

Throughout much of the year, Tesla sales have been on a downward spiral in many key markets, including Europe, the United States, and Australia. However, over in Japan, things are very different. In fact, throughout 2025, Tesla sales have jumped significantly, so much so that the American brand may soon surpass Nissan as the nation’s best-selling EV brand.

Read: Tesla’s European Sales Bloodbath Continues, But One Country Is Over Hating Musk

From January to August, approximately 6,590 new Teslas have been sold across Japan. This represents a massive 87 percent leap over the previous year, and has already topped the brand’s strongest year on record in Japan when it sold 5,900 vehicles in 2022. Tesla models proved particularly popular in August, with roughly 980 sales. That was more than double last August.

Closing in on Nissan

Year-to-date, Tesla is now only trailing Nissan by approximately 100 electric vehicle sales. Nissan has held the crown as Japan’s highest-seller of EVs for almost 15 years, reports Nikkei Asia, thanks to the Leaf.

Aggressive price cuts have contributed to Tesla’s surge in popularity. In May, it cut the price of the Model 3 by 453,000 yen (roughly $3,000), bringing its sticker price down to 3.99 million yen or $26,800. With government subsidies factored in, the actual outlay for buyers is even lower, which has helped broaden its appeal.

One advantage for Nissan is the upcoming launch of the next-generation Leaf. Sales won’t begin until later this year, which could be a double-edged sword: the new model may spark renewed interest once it arrives, but in the meantime it risks discouraging buyers from choosing the outgoing version still on sale.

New Locations

Elon Musk’s company has also been looking to grow its physical presence at locations across the country. According to Tesla Japan boss Richi Hashimoto, the company will open new dealerships in large shipping centers in a bid to further boost brand recognition. It currently has 25 locations in the country, and in 2026, this could double to roughly 50.

Currently, Tesla has a roughly 30 percent share of Japan’s EV market. Its network of Superchargers will also be expanded from the current 130 sites, ensuring that owners can easily and swiftly charge their EVs.

By the end of this year, it’s possible that Tesla may have sold as many as 10,000 EVs in Japan. Not bad for a company that’s struggling in many other markets, right?

Advanced solid-state batteries have long been regarded as the holy grail for electric vehicles and Subaru has joined fellow Japanese brands Toyota and Nissan by working to implement these advanced new packs. However, rather than using them in any of its EVs, Subaru is instead utilizing solid-state batteries in robots which build engines and transmissions.

Read: Subaru Is Having Second Thoughts On EVs

The batteries in question come from Japanese electronics firm Maxell Ltd and have been primarily used as backup batteries in industrial equipment, designed to protect against computer memory loss. These solid state cells, like those set to be used by future EVs, have a ceramic-like electrolyte rather than a liquid one. This makes them more energy-dense and allow them to support fast charging than traditional lithium-ion cells.

Why Robots Come First

Maxell’s batteries are less than 1 kWh in capacity, and therefore far too small to use in a vehicle. However, they have been adapted for use with Subaru’s factory robots which usually need battery changes every one or two years. These new batteries can last for up to 10 years.

According to Auto News, Subaru has already introduced the batteries into nine robots at its Oizumi engine and transmission plant north of Tokyo.

“By installing all-solid-state batteries in the industrial robots used at our factory, Subaru aims to reduce both industrial waste and maintenance work for industrial robots by utilizing the long battery life,” the company said in a statement.

Subaru’s EV Balancing Act

A few short months ago, Subaru acknowledged that it was “re-evaluating” its electrification strategy, becoming just the latest in a slew of car manufacturers that have become increasingly concerned with the slowing growth of EV sales in certain markets. However, it recently revealed its second EV for North America, named the Uncharted.

This is the brand’s take on the new electric Toyota C-HR but has a slightly more rugged design. The flagship model has a pair of electric motors that combine to deliver 338 hp and enable it to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5 seconds.

During a recent visit to Japan, it became clear that while the country is renowned worldwide for its robotics and manufacturing excellence, the...

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