At the CES 2025 press conference, Toyota unveiled a series of ambitious projects and initiatives, showcasing its transformation from a traditional automaker to a comprehensive mobility company. The presentation, led by Chairman Akio Toyoda, highlighted advancements in autonomous technology, urban development, and even space exploration.
While specific details were limited, Toyoda said while he initially found autonomous driving, boring, the technology behind autonomous drifting instilled new excitement in his interests. The presentation went on to show a video of two cars drifting together. This suggests a focus on developing vehicles capable of handling extreme driving conditions without human intervention.
The company also alluded to ongoing research into flying cars as part of their CES announcements, although no concrete timelines or prototypes were presented. These projects underscore Toyota’s commitment to exploring diverse forms of future mobility.
Toyota announced the completion of Phase 1 construction for its Woven City project, a prototype urban environment located at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan.
The city, designed as a living laboratory for future technologies, is scheduled for an official launch in fall 2025. Akio Toyoda emphasized the city’s role in Toyota’s vision: “Woven City is more than just a test bed; it’s a canvas for human-centered innovation where we can shape the future of mobility and society.”
The initial phase will accommodate approximately 360 residents, with plans to expand to 2,000 in subsequent phases. Toyota has partnered with several companies, including Daikin Industries and NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS, to explore various aspects of future living, from air conditioning to food culture.
In a surprising move, Toyota revealed its interest in space exploration. Toyoda stated, “We’re exploring rockets, too. Because the future of mobility shouldn’t be limited to just Earth, or just one car company.”
This announcement was accompanied by the disclosure of a 7 billion yen (approximately $44.3 million) investment in Interstellar Technologies, a private Japanese spaceflight company. The collaboration aims to develop small launch vehicles for satellite deployment and explore telecommunications networks to support Woven City’s needs.
Throughout the presentation, Toyoda emphasized Toyota’s ongoing transformation: “We’re not just an automaker anymore. We’re redefining mobility to encompass the movement of people, goods, information, and energy for the benefit of society.”
This shift in focus is evident in the company’s approach to Woven City, where Toyota plans to test and validate a wide range of innovative products and services beyond traditional automotive technology.
Toyota is positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation across multiple domains. As these projects develop, they have the potential to significantly impact not only the automotive industry but also urban planning, space exploration, and the broader concept of human mobility.
As Toyota approaches its centennial, the company’s journey from a humble loom manufacturer to a global automotive and technology leader exemplifies its enduring spirit of innovation.
The roots of Toyota’s success can be traced back to Sakichi Toyoda’s invention of the automatic loom in 1924, which revolutionized the textile industry.
Sakichi’s son, Kiichiro Toyoda, leveraged the success of the family’s loom business to venture into automobile manufacturing. In 1933, Kiichiro established the Automotive Department within Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, which would eventually evolve into Toyota Motor Company in 1937.
The transition from Toyoda to Toyota was more than just a name change; it represented the company’s evolution and its commitment to continuous improvement. This philosophy, deeply ingrained in Toyota’s corporate culture, has guided the company through a century of technological advancements and industrial shifts.
The concept of “Woven City” pays homage to Toyota’s origins in the weaving industry. Akio Toyoda explains the significance: “The name ‘Woven’ was derived from the word ‘weave.’
The inspiration partly came from the way the three types of streets for separate forms of mobility looked, crossing one another as if they had been woven together in the planned layout for the new city”.
This connection between Toyota’s past and future is not merely symbolic. The principles of precision, efficiency, and innovation that were crucial in developing advanced looms are now being applied to create a futuristic urban environment.
As Toyota celebrates its rich history, the Woven City stands as a testament to the company’s ability to adapt and innovate.
The project embodies Toyota’s commitment to weaving together various technologies and human-centric design to create a sustainable, interconnected community, where the company’s weaving heritage informs its vision for the future of urban living and mobility.
Additional Sources:
- https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/41969781.html
- https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/42056052.html
- https://toyotatimes.jp/en/newscast/106.html?padid=ag478_from_newsroom
Article Last Updated: January 6, 2025.
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Michael Kahn is the publisher of The Weekly Driver, serving as writer, photographer, and content creator. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for adventure, he specializes in uncovering the stories and experiences of automobile enthusiasts. Michael’s work is inspired by his love for off-the-beaten-path road trips, global exploration, and the pursuit of exceptional culinary experiences, all captured through the lens of a world traveler and automotive enthusiast.
