Tokyo Motor Show : les excentriques en images… et les autres
Le PDG de Nissan, Carlos Ghosn, a lancé les festivités en dévoilant un concept de véhicule dit “Nissan Intelligent Driving” (IDS), qui “améliore la capacité du conducteur à voir, penser et réagir”. “Il permet de compenser les erreurs humaines, responsables de plus de 90% des accidents de voiture. Le temps passé derrière le volant est plus sûr, plus efficace et plus amusant”, a déclaré Carlo Ghosn à l’occasion de la présentation du stand.
L’habitacle se transforme selon le mode choisi par l’automobiliste. S’il décide de s’en remettre à la machine, le volant disparaît pour céder la place à un large écran, et les quatre sièges se tournent légèrement vers l’intérieur pour faciliter la conversation entre les passagers. “Les voitures autonomes représentent un enjeu très important”, a souligné auprès de l’AFP le dirigeant de Nissan qui veut prendre la tête de cette “course” où se bousculent les constructeurs.
Dès 2016, la firme de Yokohama (banlieue de Tokyo) veut permettre aux automobilistes de lâcher le volant en cas de bouchons sur autoroute. En 2018, la voiture sera capable d’évoluer seule sur ces mêmes axes de circulation, et en 2020 de gérer des situations plus complexes en ville.
Ses deux concurrents, Toyota et Honda, ont aussi détaillé ces dernières semaines leurs ambitions dans ce domaine, sous l’impulsion du gouvernement japonais qui veut profiter des Jeux olympiques de Tokyo en 2020 pour faire la démonstration du savoir-faire nippon.
En ce premier jour du Tokyo Motor Show, le sujet était sur toutes les lèvres, l’Allemand Mercedes-Benz présentant lui aussi sa propre technologie.
Mais le PDG de Toyota, Akio Toyoda, a appelé à la prudence. “La route est partagée par plusieurs acteurs, les voitures, les deux-roues, les piétons, donc ce n’est pas simple. Le but est de réduire la mortalité ; imaginez si survient un accident majeur impliquant un véhicule autonome. Nous devons y aller par étape”, a-t-il souligné lors d’une rencontre avec des journalistes.
Les voitures écologiques… et les excuses de Volkswagen
Autre sujet en vogue : les voitures écologiques. Outre des modèles hybrides – dont la dernière Prius de Toyota, qui sera lancée en fin d’année au Japon avant le reste du monde – et électriques (Leaf de Nissan, SUV de Mitsubishi Motors, etc.), Honda a levé le voile sur sa voiture à pile à combustible fonctionnant à l’hydrogène, qui ne rejette que de la vapeur d’eau quand elle roule. Près d’un an après la sortie de la Mirai de Toyota, ce véhicule nommé “Clarity Fuel Cell” se veut plus spacieux (cinq places) et doté d’une plus grande autonomie (plus de 700 km). “Nous débuterons la commercialisation en mars 2016 au Japon, puis il prendra la route aux États-Unis et en Europe”, a précisé le PDG du troisième constructeur nippon, Takahiro Hachigo.
L’hydrogène fait aussi son apparition chez Lexus, la marque de luxe de Toyota. Le géant japonais, fort des débuts prometteurs de la Mirai qu’il espère vendre à 30.000 exemplaires par an à horizon 2020, a aussi donné un avant-goût du modèle qui lui succédera peut-être avec le “FCV Plus Concept”, aux lignes futuristes.
La journée a par ailleurs été marquée par les excuses (dans la tradition nippone) du responsable de Volkswagen au Japon, après le retentissant scandale des moteurs diesel truqués. “Nous ferons tout pour regagner la confiance de nos clients”, a assuré Sven Stein qui a déploré un recul des ventes dans l’archipel depuis ces révélations. Pour autant, le groupe n’a pas abandonné l’idée d’introduire au Japon des véhicules diesel, absents pour l’heure, même si le lancement sera probablement reporté au “second semestre de 2016”.
Hormis cette note négative, le Tokyo Motor Show, qui se tient jusqu’au 8 novembre, se déroule cette année dans un climat plutôt favorable pour l’industrie de l’automobile, en particulier aux États-Unis et en Europe.
Dans les marchés émergents, Nissan a fait état de difficultés en Russie et au Brésil, mais le groupe vise toujours une “légère hausse” de ses ventes en Chine en 2015, selon Carlos Ghosn. Même discours chez Toyota qui n’a pas observé d’impact du ralentissement économique à ce stade.
Peter Schuarzenbeauer, management board member for German automaker BMW, introduces the new “Mini Convertible” during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
A model stands beside a 1948 Isuzu TX80 model 5-ton truck at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 29, 2015. The biennial motor show’s 44th edition, which runs until November 8, features 160 exhibitors from a dozen countries including foreign automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Peugeot Citroen, Porsche and Jaguar. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
Japan’s motorcycle maker Yamaha Motor president Hiroyuki Yanagi Introduces the new two-seater concept sports car “Sports Ride Concept” during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
A visitor walks past the booth of Japanese car audio maker Sonic Design at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 29, 2015. The biennial motor show’s 44th edition, which runs until November 8, features 160 exhibitors from a dozen countries including foreign automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Peugeot Citroen, Porsche and Jaguar. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
A Yamaha PED2, an electric off-road motorcycle (L) and Yamaha PES2, an electric road sports motorcycle (R) are displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 29, 2015. The biennial motor show’s 44th edition, which runs until November 8, features 160 exhibitors from a dozen countries including foreign automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Peugeot Citroen, Porsche and Jaguar. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
A model stands beside the Thailand-made pickup truck, Isuzu D-Max X-series Hi-Lander at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 29, 2015. The biennial motor show’s 44th edition, which runs until November 8, features 160 exhibitors from a dozen countries including foreign automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Peugeot Citroen, Porsche and Jaguar. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
A model stands beside a Hino 500 truck at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 29, 2015. The biennial motor show’s 44th edition, which runs until November 8, features 160 exhibitors from a dozen countries including foreign automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Peugeot Citroen, Porsche and Jaguar. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
The Honda sports hybrid three-wheeler “Neowing” is seen on display at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
A model stands beside a Mitsubishi Fuso concept “Super Great V / Spider” at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 29, 2015. The biennial motor show’s 44th edition, which runs until November 8, features 160 exhibitors from a dozen countries including foreign automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Peugeot Citroen, Porsche and Jaguar. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
Visitors look at a Yamaha PES2, an electric road sports motorcycle, on display at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 29, 2015. The biennial motor show’s 44th edition, which runs until November 8, features 160 exhibitors from a dozen countries including foreign automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Peugeot Citroen, Porsche and Jaguar. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
Japan’s automaker Mitsubishi Motors introduces the new “Outlander PHEV” plug-in hybrid vehicle during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
A model shows off a skeleton model of a vehicle by Japan’s auto parts maker Toyota Gosei on display at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
BMW’s new “Mini Convertible” is seen on display at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
A visitor checks out McLaren-Honda F1 car on display at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
Fuji Heavy Industries, known for its Subaru brand, introduces the new “Visiv” concept SUV during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
The Honda Project 2&4 concept car is seen on display at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
Nissan Motor displays the Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo during a press preview at the company’s booth at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off October 28 with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI
Suzuki Motor displays the compact 3-row minivan Air Triser during a press preview at the company’s booth at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off October 28 with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI
The Daihatsu Tempo small catering concept vehicle is seen during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
Japan’s auto maker Toyota Auto Body introduces the “Coms Connect” concept electric personal mobility vehicle during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors president Tetsuro Aikawa introduces the electric SUV “eX Concept” model during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
Japan’s auto parts maker Toyota Gosei introduces the “Fresby” prototype vehicle which has a body covered with urethane foam and airbags during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
Japan’s automaker Toyota Motor displays the Toyota FCV Plus during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off October 28 with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI
Toyota Motor displays the Kikai during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off October 28 with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI
Mercedes Benz head of Smart Annette Winkler displays the new “Smart Forfour” during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
Japan’s motorcycle maker Yamaha Motor introduces the prototype model of a motorcycle riding robot “Motobot” during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
Japan’s motorcycle maker Yamaha Motor president Hiroyuki Yanagi introduces the new two-seater concept sports car “Sports Ride Concept” during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
Yasuyuki Yoshinaga, president of Japan’s automaker Fuji Heavy Industries known for its Subaru brand, introduces the new “Visiv” concept SUV during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
Mercedes Benz head of Smart Annette Winkler displays the new “Smart Fortwo” during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
Toyota Motor displays the world premiere of its Toyota Kikai during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicked off on October 28 with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a concept vehicle with tablet-style touch screens aimed at a digital generation. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI
Toyota Motor displays the world premiere of the Toyota S-FR car during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicked off on October 28 with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a concept vehicle with tablet-style touch screens aimed at a digital generation. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI
Toyota Motor displays the Toyota C-HR Concept car during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicked off on October 28 with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a concept vehicle with tablet-style touch screens aimed at a digital generation. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI
Radical RXC Turbo racing car-style road cars are seen on display during the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
Ken Okuyama, CEO of Ken Okuyama Design, stands beside his Code 9 vehicle during the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
Mercedes Benz head of design Gordon Wagner displays the new “Vision Tokyo” concept car during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO
A visitor looks at the Alpina B6 Biturbo Cabrio Edition 50 after the vehicle’s debut during the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
Toyota Motor displays the company’s next generation hybrid vehicle Prius during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicked off on October 28 with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a concept vehicle with tablet-style touch screens aimed at a digital generation. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI
Nissan Motor displays the Nissan Gripz Concept car during a press preview at the company’s booth at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015 in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off October 28 with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI
An employee cleans a Lexus RC F GT-3 concept SPEC on display at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
Suzuki Motor President Toshihiro Suzuki stands next to the Mighty Deck during a press briefing at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015 on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off October 28 with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI
Daihatsu president Masanori Mitsui poses with the company’s concept vehicle NORIORI during the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA
Nissan Motor displays the Nissan Teatro for Dayz vehicle during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015 on October 28, 2015. The Tokyo Motor Show kicks off October 28 with a focus on cars that drive themselves, eco-friendly technologies, and a digital-savvy generation. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI
Journalists watch as Mazda’s new concept rotary-engine sports car “RX-VISION” is unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 28, 2015. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA