At the Tokyo Motor Show 2019

The Tokyo Motor Show 2019 came to an end on the 4th November 2019. Those who attended were privileged to catch cutting edge vehicles such as self driving cars and much of the focus was also on mobility. My previous visit to the Tokyo Motor Show was back in 2013 so I would say the experience this time was totally different.

It was the first time the Tokyo Motor Show opened the exhibition to children, aimed at reversing the flagship attendance. The 2017 show drew a mere 770,000 people but this year, it managed to break the 1 million mark and finished with 1.3 million attendees in the 10-day Tokyo Motor Show.

It was participated by 192 carmakers according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and I shall be focusing on the cars/vehicles introduced by Toyota and Lexus.

The members of the press were given a dedicated day (October 23) where the Presidents of the respective brands launched their products as the media got first hand viewing before the Tokyo Motor Show was opened for public viewing.

At the Lexus Pavilion at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019

Yoshihiro Sawa, the International President of Lexus with the Lexus LF-30 Electrified, the first full fledged electric vehicle from Lexus

Check out that beauty

In the late morning, Yoshihiro Sawa, the International President of Lexus unveiled Lexus first ever electric vehicle (EV), the Lexus LF-30, which left the audience in awe. The LF-30 is more than a concept vehicle. The Lexus Electrified vision unveiled targets a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control and driver enjoyment, and let’s not forget autonomous driving and vehicle electrification.

What was interesting was the “Lexus Sense theatre” at the Tokyo Motor Show, a space where people can experience the simulation of five senses. es”. It consists of two experience spaces, audio and visual. In Theater 1, the sensual engine sound of Lexus LFA stimulates hearing with 360° 3D sound.

Theater 2 offers a visually stimulating experience with the Lexus LC model by projection mapping – which changes its appearance according to the time of day and the viewing angle. In this booth layout you can appreciate the Lexus philosophy, while enjoying sensory stimulation through “real experience”.

Interviewing Lexus’ International President with other members of the press

We also had a privilege to interview with Yoshihiro Sawa with other selected members of the press. He was quite welcoming individual with full of knowledge especially with the automative industry. When asked about how Lexus will positioned themselves among other luxury car brands, Sawa said that Lexus aims to be different from others and hence Lexus upped the scale by providing a more amazing experience for their customers. Hence, Lexus aims to focus on luxury lifestyle experience with the car rather than luxury car brand. He shared that the owners of luxury cars are not satisfied with just owning the product. They hunger for something more as they are eager to have a more unique experience.

Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corp, making a grand entrance during Toyota’s presentation at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019

He came in with the e-Palette which will be featured in the Olympic Games next year

A very energetic showcase coming from Toyota

In the afternoon, Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corp, had an interesting approach to the launch of their Toyota products, focusing on digital presentation on the mega horizontal interactive display on stage. Toyoda engaged the audience with his younger digital self and shared to all of us how “people will be the centre of the future.” With advancement of technologies in modern era of automotive industry, Toyoda can’t discount how important human capital is and still very relevant for both to co-exist.

The company also envisioned to position Toyota as a brand that focuses “mobility for all”. This is evident as the President announced models such as the e-Palette (electric modular vehicle) and Sora, a fuel celled electrified vehicle bus (refer to my previous blog post) that will be featured in the Tokyo 2020. This is definitely exciting times for Toyota, being one of the partners for Tokyo 2020.

The day ended with ended with a press conference hosted by JAMA where it showcased the global FIA Gran Turismo Championship 2019 World Tour 5 competition. This was held at the MEGAWEB area at the Aomi Exhibition Hall which also collaborated with KidZania. Hence, making this year’s Tokyo Motor Show 2019, the biggest in terms of variety since its inception.

A big thank you to NBT (Brunei) for sponsoring my trip to Japan and the Tokyo Motor Show 2019. It was really an honour 😀

The president making headlines in the newspaper the following day

One of the beautiful assistant at Toyota pavilion

Toyota going the extra mile to give more rewards to customers when you try their Toyota experiences in the near future

Loving the lanyard and I got myself one too

The e-racer

Toyota LQ, another concept car from Toyota

I am excited to try the e-Palette next year hopefully

Check out the latest ES 250. Click here to read more.

The biggest talk town is here!! I have seen various models of the Lexus line and usually the prices are in the slightly premium range. Now I have to say that Lexus Brunei have done an excellent job for future customers of Lexus that the latest edition of the Lexus family, the ES 250, will be a much more affordable than before and furthermore, the new ES 250 is a much better car than the previous ES model. There are so many to brag about. Let’s go..

Beauty – People normally say it’s the inner beauty that counts. Well, Lexus ES 250 killed two birds with one stone. Both inner and outer look-and-feel are LIT!!!!!

Let’s talk about the exterior – it has a dynamic feel with a bold coupé-like silhouette. It’s wider than previous model and just slightly lower than previous model. Yes, it does look sporty and still elegant to drive. Many commended on the rear view of the ES 250, giving a sleek appeal. I love the new design of the front grill too. People will still recognize the brand and at the same time, they will appreciate the intuitive design.

So now’s let talk of the interior. The common word I listened to what the attendees mentioned during the launch was the spacious interior. Believe it or not, I tried myself and wow, it is really spacious though looking from outside doesn’t give that impression. So this could be a winner among customers, the commendable space inside.

I also like the idea of the driver-centric cockpit which has become another seller point for decision makers. This is also the first time I’ve seen a trackpad being used for the tech console. Hence you will see a cursor moving around as if you are using a mouse. Impressive. Let’s not forget the sound system built-in, a Pioneer 10-speaker system producing crisp and original sound.

I have yet to test drive the Lexus ES250 but hopefully soon, maybe next weekend and give you more on the update on my experience with the ES 250.

For your info, this is also the first Lexus for having a 2.5 liter engine with great fuel efficiency and not compromising on performance. According to the fact sheet, it has an enhanced efficiency with the new 8-speed direct-shift automatic transmission for smarter, sharper gear shifting.

Price: Many are quite shocked when the price was revealed for the Lexus ES250. Many would have thought the price range will be BND 75,000 – BND 85,000 but no, the price of the newly launched Lexus ES 250 is BND 69,450. Now, my friends, if you ask me, that is a great buy for the pricing you paying and the quality a Lexus can offer. An affordable luxury car and now you be part of the Lexus statistics. You can read here for more.

More review of the Lexus ES 250 in my future post. Stay tune. Congratulations NBT Brunei Sdn Bhd on the launch of the Lexus ES 250.

Looks sleek, right? Visit Lexus showroom to find out more.

The public get to see the Lexus ES250 up close and personal

Amy Wong is impressed with the new Lexus

Lexus Sales Executive, Pg Ariulhisham Pg Johnis sharing some insight of the Lexus ES250

NBT Executive Deputy Chairman Ninan Chacko and NBT Deputy Managing Director Hj Ahmad Omar Hj Hussin

Loving the new grill

The rear angle view of the Lexus ES250

Are you impressed? Because I am

NBT Management and Staff in a commemorative group photo with the single mothers and the event coordinators. Click image to enlarge.

This is a continuation of the ‘NBT Donation (Sedekah) To Single Mothers Project’ which is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme that has been ongoing for a few years.

The aim is to bring some Ramadan cheer to assist identified single mothers and their families in the Brunei-Muara District who are in need of assistance.

So what were given were daily necessities such as rice, cooking oil, sugar, instant noodles, biscuits, milk powder, Milo, etc.

NBT believes in giving back to our community and so do NBT Staff and their families who also enthusiastically chipped in with their own contributions for this very worthwhile cause.

NBT Management, Marketing and Sales Staff headed by Hj Ahmad Omar bin Hj Husin, NBT Deputy Managing Director handed over the NBT donations to 47 single mothers. Six single mothers have received their donations during the house visits on 1st June – making a grand total of 53 donations by NBT. Images and article courtesy of NBT.

Awg Abdul Ghani Haji Abdul Hamid, NBT Sales Manager (Bunut) presenting an NBT donation to one of the recipient single mothers

Sharifah Marianah, NBT Senior Customer Relations Manager (event organiser), Dyg Huri Binti Mahal (recipient), Dyg Shamsiniah Hj Kepli (event coordinator) and Dyg Jasniah Binti Jaludin (Dyg Huri’s daughter)