Suzuki, Daihatsu and Toyota will join forces to produce electric mini commercial vans in Japan.
Mini commercial vans are popular in Japan, and customers there will have a trio of new electric-powered ones to choose from soon. That’s because Suzuki Motor Corporation (Suzuki), Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (Daihatsu), and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) have joined forces to develop and unveil a series of prototype mini-commercial electric vehicles (BEVs) equipped with a jointly developed BEV system. This exciting development will be showcased at an exhibition event organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and the G7 Hiroshima Summit. The unveiling of these innovative electric vans demonstrates the automobile industry’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality (CN). Of course, these vehicles might have very limited appeal outside of Japan, but the fact that Mitsubishi revived their Minicab-MiEV for Indonesia and possibly Thailand shows that things may change soon enough. Let’s look at how this new partnership between the three Japanese car brands is being shaped.
Partnership for a Sustainable Future
Drawing on Suzuki and Daihatsu’s expertise in creating small-size cars and Toyota’s electrification technology, the three companies collaborated to develop a BEV system specifically designed for mini-commercial vehicles. Daihatsu will be responsible for manufacturing the vehicles, while Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Toyota will release their own versions of the mini-commercial electric van within fiscal 2023. Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT) also played a crucial role in the planning process, ensuring the optimal specifications for efficient last-mile logistics.
Key Features and Benefits
These prototype mini-commercial electric vans offer several key features and benefits that make them ideal for the delivery industry. With a cruising range of approximately 200km per charge, these vehicles are poised to meet the needs of customers in the delivery sector. By leveraging Toyota’s electrification technology, the BEV system offers sustainable transportation solutions, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the global effort to achieve carbon neutrality. Additionally, the collaborative efforts between the three companies ensure that the mini-commercial electric vans are designed with efficiency and reliability in mind, making them a practical choice for last-mile logistics.
Commitment to Carbon Neutrality
Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Toyota are committed to promoting carbon neutrality and advancing sustainable transportation solutions. By developing these mini-commercial electric vans, the companies are taking a significant step toward reducing the carbon footprint of the automobile industry. Embracing electrification technology and focusing on creating vehicles that meet the evolving needs of the market, the companies are at the forefront of the push for sustainable mobility.
Looking Ahead
The unveiling of the prototype mini-commercial electric vans marks a milestone in the journey towards achieving carbon neutrality in the automobile industry. By combining Suzuki and Daihatsu’s expertise in small-size cars with Toyota’s electrification technology, these companies have demonstrated their commitment to developing sustainable means of transportation. As Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Toyota continue their efforts to promote carbon neutrality, we can expect to see further innovations and advancements in the field of electric vehicles and sustainable mobility.
