Stories of our discoveries of cars on bike lanes in Amsterdam may soon have a parallel narrative in Japan. MiBot, that tiny EV that CleanTechnica reported on in August, goes into production this year. CleanTechnica reached out to MiBot creator Kazunari Kusunoki, who is also the founder and CEO of … [continued]
For years, Japan’s unique kei car segment has been considered untouchable territory, a sanctuary reserved exclusively for domestic automotive giants like Suzuki, Daihatsu, Nissan, and Honda. These affordable, boxy minivehicles have become vital to daily life across Japan, representing the backbone of personal transportation in dense urban centers and rural … [continued]
Early at the entrance of the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. Once it opens to the public, the crowds will be huge. (Photo by author)
TOKYO — The 2025 Japan Mobility Show this year felt like a crucial turning point for the Japanese automotive industry. There was a strong presence from BYD, which started in 2023 with the introduction and sales of the BYD Atto 3. The entry of the Chinese carmaker to Japan also … [continued]
Kia enters the Japanese market with the PV5, targeting the fast-growing EV van demand driven by Japan’s carbon neutrality goals, and expanding its PBV business into a strategically important market Kia strengthens its position as a leading global EV brand with the PV5 Cargo Long-range model, offering an industry-leading driving … [continued]
It appears that Japan is still obsessed with the idea of a hydrogen economy, and some automakers continue to pretend — of fool themselves with the notion — that hydrogen fuel cell cars have a future. Hyundai is one that, honestly, surprises me. The company seems like it most has … [continued]
With the Japan Mobility Show around the corner, attention is being paid to a market-specific vehicle form factor: the Kei Car (or K-Car, not to be confused with the ‘80s Chrysler). These tiny vehicles are largely defined by regulation. They can be no more than 3,400 mm long, 1,480 mm … [continued]
Japan has been a tough market for import brands. The top 10 automobile brands in the country last year were all Japanese. Products from foreign brands are often not a good fit for the market and customers tend to support the home team. Many automakers have tried to break through, … [continued]
I was checking press releases from automakers today, wondering if there were any lingering EV announcements related to the IAA motor show in Munich. And what do I find but a hydrogen-hype press release that looks decades out of date. Naturally, it’s tied to an event in Japan, where the … [continued]
In July, CleanTechnica sent out emails to Mibot creator and YouTuber-turned-CEO Kazunari Kusunoki, who is based in Hiroshima. It is understandably difficult to get time with him, being the hands-on guy for the R&D and testing of the MiBot. However, we eventually conducted an interview via his communications team, with … [continued]
Writing the story on India’s renewable energy journey pushed me to use the same materials that I gathered to look at what’s happening in the rest of the world. The global renewable energy sector has witnessed a dramatic shift in competitive dynamics over the past decade, with India emerging as … [continued]
