The Japan Mobility Show 2025 – one of the world’s top automobiles shows that kicked off on October 29 – is buzzing with innovation, but possibly no country is receiving as much attention as India. Japanese giants such as Suzuki, Honda, Toyota, and Nissan – long rooted in the subcontinent – are using the show to unveil their India-centric future and showcasing made-in-India vehicles.
Maruti Suzuki displayed the made-in-India Jimny 5-door. The carmaker has exported 100,000 units of the Jimny and said that it received a huge reception in Japan, where it was launched as the Jimny Nomade in January 2025, and got over 50,000 orders within days. Also on display was the eVitara, the exclusively-made-in-India electric SUV that will soon be launched in India, and exported to more than 100 countries.
The carmaker also made its multi-powertrain approach clear by showcasing the Fronx FFV (flexible fuel vehicle) and a CBG (compressed biomethane gas) variant of the Victoris – both made in India. CBG is considered cleaner fuel than CNG (compressed natural gas) because it is sourced from organic waste like agricultural residue, cattle dung, municipal wet waste, and sewage treatment plant effluents, and isn’t a fossil fuel.
Honda solidified its EV ambitions for India, and did the global reveal of its Honda 0 α (Alpha) prototype, which will be launched in India and Japan, starting 2027. The carmaker indicated that this electric SUV will be made in India, reflecting a major investment in the country’s electric mobility landscape.
Toyota and Nissan also reinforced their strategic focus on India. Toyota is a key partner to Suzuki in India, and focused on multiple powertrains, reinforcing the case for strong hybrids alongside EV development.
Nissan, meanwhile, showcased a refreshed Ariya EV crossover and a host of new-generation technologies like the advanced e-Power hybrid system, which could eventually trickle down into its Indian line-up. The all-new Nissan Leaf was also displayed, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to the affordable global EV segment.
The Japan Mobility Show 2025 showcases that India is not just another market for Japanese automakers, but also a vital manufacturing hub driving the next generation of mobility.
(The correspondent is in Tokyo at the invitation of Honda Cars India)