TOKYO, July 13, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereinafter, Mitsubishi Motors) and Highlanders, Inc. (hereinafter, Highlanders), a startup originating from the University of Tokyo, today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate in establishing a new industrial foundation where humans and robots work together. Under this MOU, the two companies will explore the joint development of humanoid robots for use at Mitsubishi Motors’ manufacturing facilities as well as mass production of Highlanders products at Mitsubishi Motors’ Kyoto Plant.

The environment surrounding Japan’s manufacturing industry is undergoing significant change, with labor shortages, increasingly sophisticated manufacturing operations, and the need for more flexible manufacturing systems emerging as major challenges. Mitsubishi Motors is committed to creating new value by collaborating with a diverse range of partners, including startups, to address these future challenges. Highlanders, meanwhile, aims to help solve workforce-related issues through humanoid robots and advanced robotics technologies, with the goal of realizing a society where humans and robots collaborate seamlessly. Through this partnership, the two companies seek to create new value in manufacturing and enhance industrial competitiveness.

As a first step in its joint development project with Highlanders, Mitsubishi Motors plans to utilize humanoid robots at its own manufacturing facilities. Through practical use, the company will accumulate operational data and know-how while deepening its expertise in the field of humanoid robotics and evaluating opportunities for future development and production.

In parallel, Mitsubishi Motors will leverage its proven expertise in mass-production engineering, quality assurance, durability and safety design, integrated mechatronics control technologies, and factory operations to explore the production of Highlanders’ humanoid robots. The companies will examine the feasibility of commencing production in early 2027 by utilizing currently unused buildings at Mitsubishi Motors’ Kyoto Plant.

This marks the first collaboration of its kind between an automotive manufacturer and a humanoid robotics developer involving mass production. By gaining an operational and manufacturing partner, Highlanders expects to accelerate the growth of both companies’ humanoid robotics businesses.

Mitsubishi Motors has already invested in Highlanders and plans to make additional investments in the future.

Moving forward, the two companies will continue their collaborative efforts toward realizing a society in which humans and robots work together.

Comment from Takao Kato, chairman of the board, representative executive officer and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

"Our collaboration with Highlanders represents a challenge aimed at building a new industrial foundation in which humans and robots work together. At the same time, it provides Mitsubishi Motors with a valuable opportunity to deepen our technological and business expertise in the field of humanoid robotics. By utilizing humanoid robots in our own manufacturing facilities and supporting the production of Highlanders products, we aim to leverage the outcomes of this collaboration to drive our growth and enhance corporate value.”

Comment from Hiroya Masuoka, representative director and CEO of Highlanders, Inc.

"At Highlanders, our mission is to address a wide range of industrial challenges through robotics and physical AI technologies. We believe that achieving mass production of domestically developed humanoid robots through this partnership with Mitsubishi Motors, which brings decades of manufacturing expertise, represents a significant step toward achieving this goal. Furthermore, deploying our robotics technologies within Mitsubishi Motors’ manufacturing operations will provide a valuable opportunity to drive technological advancement in our products. By maximizing the value of this collaboration, we look forward to expanding our mutually beneficial relationship with Mitsubishi Motors.”

TOKYO, Japan, June 30, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda will commemorate the 40th anniversary of its first FIA*1 Formula One World Championship™ Constructors’ title*2 in 1986 with a series of special programs and events around the world.

The first championship title in Honda’s F1™ history was a major milestone that symbolized its spirit of challenge. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of this achievement, Honda will look back on the history of its challenges and victories in F1™ while conducting a global showrun program featuring the Williams Honda FW11*3 (FW11) to celebrate with motorsports fans around the world.

At the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026, to be held in West Sussex, United Kingdom (July 9–12 local time), the FW11 will be driven by Damon Hill and Ryo Michigami. Damon Hill is one of the legendary drivers who won the F1™ Drivers’ Championship in 1996, while Ryo Michigami won the 2000 All Japan GT Championship (JGTC) title with the NSX and has competed in top categories in Japan and overseas for many years. In addition, the Prelude HRC Concept, first unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon in January, is also scheduled to take part in showruns. It will be driven by Jessica Hawkins, Head of F1 Academy*4 and Driver Ambassador at Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team.

*1 FIA : Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile
*2 Annual title awarded to the team that scores the most points over the course of a season.
*3 The F1™ car that Honda entered in 1986 by supplying engines to what is now Atlassian Williams F1™ Team.
*4 An all-female racing series organized by F1™, established to support the development of young female drivers.

Honda key activities to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Honda’s first F1™ title

The FW11, renowned for its dominant performance and powered by a 1.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, will appear at major motorsports events around the world.

Event schedule (planned)

April 19: Shin Motor Fan Festa (Shizuoka, Japan) As the first event in the program, the FW11 completed demonstration runs at Fuji Speedway. Footage of the demonstration is available on Honda’s official YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/-UTXXYm-znA

July 9-12: Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026 (West Sussex, United Kingdom)

August: Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (California, United States)

Honda’s first F1™ title

In 1986, the FW11 demonstrated outstanding competitiveness throughout the season, winning nine of the 16 Grands Prix and delivering Honda’s first Constructors’ Championship title. The achievement marked the beginning of a golden era for Honda in F1™, during which the company would go on to secure multiple championship victories.

Further information regarding Honda’s activities at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026 and the history of Honda in F1™ will be made available on the following websites:

- Honda First F1™ Title 40th Anniversary (Williams)
https://global.honda/en/F1/williams/

- Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026
https://global.honda/en/goodwood/2026/

TOKYO, Japan, June 30, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today issued the Honda ESG Report 2026, posting it on the company website.

As one of the tools to enhance communication with a diverse range of stakeholders, Honda has been issuing its annual "Honda ESG Report," which comprehensively summarizes the company’s approach and initiatives to enhance its sustainability from the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) perspectives.

Honda has realigned the powertrain portfolios and product launch plans for its motorcycle, automobile, and power products businesses, considering changes in the current business environment and demand trends. Additionally, Honda has reset the management indicators and targets toward achieving the company goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Moreover, Honda has reassessed its corporate governance structure to ensure the steady execution of each business strategy and enable bold and transparent decision-making.

This year’s Honda ESG Report outlines the rationale behind these new environmental indicators and targets, the roadmap for achieving the new targets, and initiatives to enhance Honda corporate governance.

English language version: https://global.honda/en/sustainability/report.html

Cover of the Honda ESG Report 2026

Honda is striving to evolve as a company to continue creating new value based on the company’s unchanging desire since its founding to “help people and society” and “help people expand their own life’s potential.” To this end, Honda is committed to communicating the approach and initiatives Honda is taking to ensure its sustainability by providing easy-to-understand information through the Honda ESG Report. Moreover, by increasing opportunities to engage in dialogue with its stakeholders, Honda will continue to advance its sustainability initiatives and strive to achieve a steady increase in corporate value, which will enable Honda to continue to be a company society wants to exist into the future.

Main contents of the Honda ESG Report 2026:

- Overview of Honda sustainability initiatives (basic approach, sustainability management structure, etc.)
- Environmental initiatives (climate change, pollution, water, etc.)
- Social initiatives (human rights, human resources, safety, etc.)
- Governance initiatives (corporate governance, compliance, risk management, etc.)

Multi Meter (illustrative image)

TOKYO, June 30, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that its all-new Pajero cross-country SUV, scheduled for global debut this autumn, is engineered to deliver authentic off-road performance that enables safe, secure and comfortable driving across various weather and road conditions. Symbolizing this capability, the model features the Multi Meter, a digital triple meter display that pays homage to an iconic feature popularized in previous generations.

Designed to enhance the enjoyment of off-road driving, the Multi Meter on the all-new Pajero provides a wide range of information, including altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles, and left-right torque distribution. These features allow drivers to monitor constantly changing driving conditions and vehicle dynamics in real time.

Whether navigating steep inclines, winding mountain roads, narrow and rugged forest trails, uneven rocky terrain or muddy conditions after heavy rain, the system displays real-time information that helps drivers maintain confidence and control across diverse natural environments around the world.

On the dedicated website for the all-new Pajero, Mitsubishi Motors has released a promotional video titled "The Pajero* is ready to write its next chapter." The video highlights the evolution of the Multi Meter - inherited and refined from earlier models - and showcases the vehicle’s ability to inspire a spirit of challenge, ignite a sense of adventure, and invite drivers to explore.

Special website for the all-new Pajero
https://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/global/en/lineup/pajero/teaser/(Open in a new window)

* Known as the Montero in some markets

KARIYA, JAPAN, June 30, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - DENSO CORPORATION (Headquarters: Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture; President: Shinnosuke Hayashi, hereinafter referred to as “DENSO”) and TÜV Rheinland Japan, Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President: Kunihiro Okamoto, hereinafter referred to as “TÜV Rheinland Japan”) have conducted a joint validation of battery passport for an energy storage product of AESC Group Ltd. (Head Office: Yokohama, Kanagawa; CEO: David Wan; hereinafter “AESC”), using actual data from AESC’s ESS*1 business. In this validation, DENSO, in collaboration with the relevant parties, was responsible for building and providing the technological foundation for battery passport, and TÜV Rheinland Japan, as the independent third-party certification body, have verified that the product complies with the EU Battery Regulation*2 and is both practical and feasible for real-world use. This achievement lays a solid foundation for AESC’s energy storage products to enter the EU market.

- Challenges and Background

In recent years, societal expectations have increasingly called for achieving carbon neutrality and transitioning to a circular economy that enables resources to circulate within the economic system. As a result, efforts to develop sustainable products have accelerated. In Europe in particular, Digital Product Passport (DPP)*3 is being introduced to digitally manage and present product traceability information. Under the EU Battery Regulation, a battery passport will become mandatory from February 2027 for batteries used in automotive, industrial, and other applications.

At the same time, key challenges in addressing the Regulation include preparing data derived from actual data, operating the required systems, and ensuring overall practicality and feasibility, including third-party verification.

- Overview of the Validation

Against this backdrop, DENSO and TÜV Rheinland Japan entered a memorandum of understanding in September 2025 to advance the Digital Product Passport*4. Under this partnership, the two companies conducted a validation of a battery passport using actual data from AESC’s ESS batteries for the European market, with AESC serving as the data provider, to verify the practicality and regulatory compliance of battery passport under the EU Battery Regulation.

DENSO provided a service to support the generation and management of battery passport in accordance with the EU Battery Regulation. Based on standards established by the Battery Pass Consortium*5, the service generates a battery passport for each product and enables access to battery information via a QR code affixed to the product. The service also includes an access-rights management function that controls information available for viewing depending on the user’s role, ensuring data security while respecting the data sovereignty of each stakeholder and supporting regulatory compliance.

As manufacturer of energy storage products, AESC prepared the necessary data for compliance with the upcoming battery passport mandate and provided data from its existing ESS business, while taking into account future exports to Europe and customer requirements.In preparation for full compliance with the upcoming battery passport mandate, AESC has implemented comprehensive sustainability and compliance measures across its value chain, extending beyond the specific data scope of this validation. The company deploys systematic supply chain oversight to enforce compliant practices and rigorous quality control. To support long-term sustainability, AESC has estSSablished, through the use of digital battery passport solutions, a closed-loop circular economy framework for battery recycling and reuse.

As a third-party certification body, TÜV Rheinland Japan verified the data handled by the battery passport service based on the EU Battery Regulation and standards such as DIN DKE SPEC 99100*6.

- Results of the Validation

Through validation using actual data, the companies identified the data preparation and operational challenges associated with the EU Battery Regulation’s requirements in a real-world business environment. The validation also confirmed that DENSO’s battery passport service extends beyond meeting formal regulatory requirements and represents a highly practical solution that can be integrated into real-world business processes. In addition, the verification conducted by TÜV Rheinland Japan, as a third-party certification body, verified that the battery passport is effective in both regulatory compliance and data reliability.

Based on this validation using ESS battery data, DENSO and TÜV Rheinland Japan will expand their efforts to include AESC’s automotive traction batteries and jointly advance the practical implementation of battery passport across a broader range of applications. Through these initiatives, they will advance regulatory compliance not only in Europe but also in global markets, support value creation for customers such as automakers through resource circulation and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

*1 ESS: Energy Storage System—a system designed to temporarily store electricity and supply it when needed, with the aim of balancing electricity supply and demand.

*2 EU Battery Regulation: A regulation that entered into force in Europe in August 2023 to promote the production and use of sustainable battery products.

*3 DPP: A collective term for digital credentials in which a wide range of information—such as the manufacturer, materials used, recyclability, and disassembly instructions—is recorded to ensure traceability across a product’s lifecycle and substantiate its sustainability.

*4 DENSO and TÜV Rheinland Japan Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Realize Sustainable Product Development and to Promote Digital Product Passport | Newsroom | News | DENSO Global Website

*5 Battery Pass Consortium: A European public–private partnership established to develop the framework and implementation tools for the battery passport mandated under the EU Battery Regulation.

*6 DIN DKE SPEC 99100: A specification issued by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) and the German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (DKE). It defines requirements for the data attributes to be included in a digital battery passport; mandatory items include battery manufacturer information, material composition, and the COâ‚‚ footprint.

KARIYA, JAPAN, June 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - DENSO Corporation has formulated a new DENSO Group environmental policy, “Eco Vision 2035,” to address environmental challenges. Under this vision, as environmental issues such as climate change, water shortages and resources become increasingly severe and complex year by year, DENSO aims to thoroughly reduce the environmental impact of its own business activities. At the same time, leveraging its strengths in technology and manufacturing, DENSO seeks to provide society with “positive environmental value*1” that contributes to achieving neutrality across society.

DENSO aims to contribute to the creation of an advanced mobility society while achieving both environmental sustainability and business growth. To this end, the company will continue to promote environmental management, striving not only to reduce environmental impact across all aspects of its operations—including products and manufacturing—but also to create economic value through environmental initiatives. As a long-term guideline, DENSO formulates an “Eco Vision” every ten years. Under “Eco Vision 2025”, established in fiscal 2016, DENSO worked to halve its energy consumption and promoted initiatives such as achieving zero emissions of waste, reducing water usage, and realizing environmentally friendly production sites.*2

Building on these achievements and taking into account changes in the social and business environment, DENSO has now established “Eco Vision 2035” as a new guideline for the next decade.

Under Eco Vision 2035, DENSO will focus on three key areas:

• Climate Change (Carbon Neutral)
• Resource Circulation (Circular Economy)
• Nature Positive (Harmony with Nature)

Across these areas, DENSO will drive three transformations:

• Expanding neutrality
• Fostering positive impact
• Developing people and partnerships that create environmental value

Expanding Neutrality

In addition to advancing carbon neutrality, DENSO will newly aim to expand its efforts to achieve neutrality (zero impact) in the nature-positive domain. Specifically, DENSO will work to reduce and neutralize environmental impact throughout the supply chain and address water risks in regions facing water shortages by collaborating with local communities and stakeholders.

Fostering Positive Impact

DENSO will continue to strengthen biodiversity initiatives while contributing to reducing environmental impact across society in the fields of carbon neutrality and circular economy. Specifically, DENSO is developing CO2 capture technologies*3 to promote carbon recycling by actively capturing and reusing emitted CO2. In addition, DENSO is advancing the development of hydrogen utilization technologies*4—hydrogen being a clean energy source that does not emit CO2—to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality across society. Furthermore, in the circular economy field, DENSO is advancing the development of advanced automated precision dismantling technologies*5 and promoting the establishment of systems for resource circulation from end-of-life vehicles to new vehicles.

Developing People and Partnerships that Create Environmental Value

To advance these initiatives, a key priority is developing people and partnerships that create environmental value. As part of efforts to encourage each employee to deepen their interest and engagement in environmental issues and take action, DENSO will introduce systems that link individual goals with its materiality (priority issues), which have long included environmental aspects. Through these initiatives, the company will promote organization-wide transformation in awareness and behavior.

Key Concept 1 of Eco Vision 2035

Key Concept 2 of Eco Vision 2035

Under “Eco Vision 2035”, DENSO will accelerate the creation of environmental value and continue contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.

To find out more about DENSO ECO VISION 2035, visit
https://www.denso.com/global/en/about-us/sustainability/environment/

*1 “Environmental value” refers to the effect of reducing the impact on the global environment.
*2 The final results report for DENSO Eco Vision 2025 is scheduled to be announced in October 2026.
[Reference Information]
*3 DENSO’s initiatives for COâ‚‚ capture:
https://www.denso.com/global/en/driven-base/project/carbon_recycle/
*4 DENSO’s initiatives for hydrogen utilization:
https://www.denso.com/global/en/driven-base/features/hydrogen/
*5 Initiative for the Automated Precision Dismantling System:
https://www.denso.com/global/en/driven-base/project/circular-economy/

TOKYO, June 12, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, which receives technical support from the company, successfully completed a seven-day endurance test in mid-May on off-road courses near Khao Yai National Park in northeastern Thailand. Under conditions simulating the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR), the test confirmed the intended performance of the improvements made to the Triton. Team Mitsubishi Ralliart will enter three Triton pickup trucks in AXCR 2026 in Thailand this August, as it aims for a second consecutive title.

AXCR 2026 will cover approximately 2,000 kilometers across six days in the hot, humid climate and demanding terrain typical of Southeast Asia. The course features steep mountainous terrain, narrow and rugged jungle trails, low- to medium-speed rough roads with muddy tracks and river crossings caused by sudden downpours, as well as relatively flat, high-speed unpaved sections such as grasslands and farm tracks.

Aiming to secure back-to-back victories, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart has further unlocked Triton’s potential and improved its dynamic performance so that drivers can tackle AXCR’s highly varied and severe conditions with greater control. With adjustments to the vehicle layout, including the powertrain position, the team improved front-to-rear weight distribution. The suspension was also fine-tuned to increase tire contact at all four wheels, improving steering stability and cornering performance. In addition, engine response in the low- to mid-speed range has been refined to improve drivability and off-road capability.

"The AXCR, where vehicles must run at high speed over a diverse and grueling course, the load imposed on the vehicle body by road impact is said to be, in some cases, more than thirty times greater than in normal customer driving," said Hiroshi Masuoka, team director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart. "The technical information gained through our participation in the AXCR over the past four years has not only improved the competitiveness of our rally cars, but has also provided valuable insight for strengthening the appeal of our production vehicles. These learnings have been applied not only to the Triton, but also to the all-new Pajero, which will make its world premiere this autumn. Through vehicle development honed through rally activities, Mitsubishi Motors will continue to deliver distinctive and compelling products that reflect Mitsubishi Motors’ identity."

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart

Team Director: Hiroshi Masuoka (Mitsubishi Motors)
Team Principal: Chayut Yangpichit (Tant Sport)
Technical Director: Kopong Amatayakul (Tant Sport)

Drivers and Co-drivers:

Driver: Chayaphon Yotha
From: Udon Thani Province, Thailand
Born: August 16, 1987 (38)
Career: Actively participating in numerous
rallies and races in Thailand. 
Two time AXCR overall champion (2022, 2025).
Known for precise, careful driving style
and ability to maintain high speed
without damaging the vehicle.
Co-driver: Peerapong Sombutwong (Thailand)

Driver: Katsuhiko Taguchi
From: Okayama Prefecture, Japan
Born: February 7, 1972 (54)
Career: Internationally active rally driver
with two FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship titles.
Finished 5th overall, ranking as the highest-placed
Japanese driver duo in AXCR 2025.
Co-driver: Takahiro Yasui (Japan)

Driver: Kazuto Koide (Mitsubishi Motors)
From: Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Born: June 19, 1979 (46)
Career: Mitsubishi Motors test driver
who has been responsible for testing many new models,
including the Pajero and Lancer Evolution. 
Currently serves as a driving instructor
for test drivers and as a demonstration driver
at events in Japan and around the world.
Co-driver: Eiji Chiba (Japan)

Overview of AXCR 2025

AXCR 2026 will be held in Thailand from August 9 to August 15. The rally will begin with a ceremonial start in Pattaya, a coastal resort city in eastern Thailand, and head north through Prachinburi, home to rich natural surroundings including Khao Yai National Park; Nakhon Sawan, the source of the Chao Phraya River; and Kamphaeng Phet, a fortress city of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The rally will finish in Phitsanulok in northern Thailand, known for its natural attractions and historic sites. The total distance is expected to be approximately 2,000 kilometers.

AXCR 2026 Official Website
https://asiacrosscountryrally.com/index.html(Open in a new window)

Official Ralliart Social Media
X: https://x.com/ralliart_jp(Open in a new window)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ralliart.official/(Open in a new window)
AXCR Special Website: https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/jp/brand/ralliart/axcr/axcr2026/ 

TOKYO, June 10, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) and Mitsubishi Motors Sales of Canada, Inc. (MMSCAN), its sales companies in the United States and Canada, respectively, will begin sales of the all-new Eclipse Sportback in the second half of 2026. The model is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) supplied by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (hereafter, Nissan) on an OEM basis.

The all-new Eclipse Sportback is an electric subcompact SUV that combines sporty styling with strong environmental performance. Designed for a variety of driving needs, it offers practicality across a range of uses, from everyday driving to leisure activities. In the exterior design, Mitsubishi Motors has applied its own distinctive modifications to express its unique identity. These elements include the front and rear bumpers, front grille, headlights and rear combination lamps, rear gate, as well as the D-pillars and wheels along the sides.

As Alliance partners, Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan are actively pursuing collaboration that strengthens the businesses of both companies through product initiatives that are mutually complementary. These efforts include collaborative projects involving new pickup trucks for the North American market and kei-cars for the Japanese market. OEM arrangements also support these activities, with Mitsubishi Motors supplying Nissan with the Rogue Plug-in Hybrid for North America, the Navara for Oceania, and the Livina for the Philippines, while procuring the Versa Van for the Philippine market from Nissan. As a further step, Mitsubishi Motors will receive the all-new Eclipse Sportback from Nissan on an OEM basis for the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Mitsubishi Motors will continue to leverage a range of partnerships to expand its product lineup and accelerate efforts to improve profitability.

Toyota City, Japan, June 10, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) will participate in the 1000 Miglia Gran Turismo Experience 2026 (Miglia Gran Turismo), a special program for the 1000 Miglia 2026 to be held in Brescia, Italy, over five days from June 9 to 13, 2026 (Japan time). This marks the first time*1 that a Japanese manufacturer has entered vehicles in a 1000 Miglia-related event.

First-generation Crown Model RS, Toyota Sports 800 Model UP15,
Toyota 2000GT Model MF10L, Supra Model JZA80, Lexus LFA

The 1000 Miglia originated as a public road race held in Italy from 1927 to 1957, with the aim of demonstrating the technological value of production vehicles, including their performance, durability, and safety. The name of the race derives from its 1,000-mile (approximately 1,600 km) distance, and the sight of cars racing through Italy's scenic landscapes earned it the title of "the world's most beautiful race."

Today, as a historic rally that carries on that spirit, the event is limited to cars that retain their original form from 1927 to 1957. It serves as a celebration of automotive art that honors beauty, function, tradition, and history, attracting iconic cars from around the world and leading the way in European automotive culture.

The 1000 Miglia Gran Turismo Experience, in which Toyota will participate on this occasion, is a new event organized by Polyphony Digital Inc., the developer of the Gran Turismo series of real driving simulators, in collaboration with the 1000 Miglia, with the aim of enabling a wider range of classic cars to take part.

Toyota views the 1000 Miglia as one of the origins of "ever-better carmaking rooted in motorsports." With deep respect for the event's tradition and prestige, Toyota will participate in the support event, the 1000 Miglia Gran Turismo Experience, entering five vehicles that represent Toyota's history, its pursuit of ever-better carmaking through motorsports, and Japanese automotive culture.

The team's goal is to complete the 1,000-mile course with a first-generation Crown, which celebrated the 70th anniversary of its launch last January, in the lead.

In addition, Toyota's participation gives it an opportunity to learn firsthand from the automotive culture deeply rooted in both the event and the surrounding region. Under the slogan of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, "Let's make cars a part of Japan's culture," Toyota will also work to foster exchange between European and Japanese automotive cultures and build relationships with like-minded partners to further expand automotive culture together.

*1 Based on Toyota's research

Vehicles Entering the Rally
Five vehicles that have led the pursuit of "ever-better carmaking rooted in motorsports"

First-generation Crown Model RS

The first-generation Crown Model RS was launched in January 1955 as Japan's first fully domestically produced passenger car. It embarked on a 50,000-kilometer drive from London to Tokyo in 1956, completing the journey in eight months. In 1957, it became the first Japanese vehicle to compete in the Round Australia Rally and successfully completed the event. It celebrated its 70th anniversary in January 2025.

Toyota Sports 800 Model UP15

Launched in April 1965 as Toyota's first two-seat sports car, it was derived from the Publica Sports and retained an aerodynamically focused functional design. It won its debut race at the 1965 All Japan Automobile Club Championship, and went on to win the inaugural Suzuka 500 km Race in 1966 by completing the full 500-kilometer distance without refueling.

Toyota 2000GT Model MF10L

Developed with the aim of creating a true grand tourer capable of competing on the world stage. In 1966, it captured global attention by setting three world records and 13 international records during speed trials. In Japan, it also achieved a one-two finish in the Fuji 24 Hours Race, a precursor to today's Super Taikyu Series.

Supra Model JZA80

The Supra (Model JZA80) embodied a new vision for sports cars as "THE SPORTS OF TOYOTA," maximizing driving performance while also delivering environmental and safety performance. It also represents the origins of Morizo, Toyota's master driver. The model further distinguished itself in the JGTC (now SUPER GT), where it delivered strong performances.

Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA expressed the ultimate "emotion and sensation" derived from the joy of driving as the pinnacle of the "F" series, representing the Lexus brand's premium sports cars.From the development stage, it was rigorously honed at the Nürburgring under the guidance of the late Hiromu Naruse, then Toyota's master driver. It went on to achieve a total of five class victories across two classes at the Nürburgring 24 Hours Race.

Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.

SDGs Initiatives: https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/ 

HIROSHIMA, Japan, June 8, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) conducted a demonstration test of its under development onboard COâ‚‚ (carbon dioxide) capture system, ‘Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture,’ during Round 3* of the Super Taikyu Series 2026, held from June 5 to 7, 2026. During the test, Mazda successfully demonstrated COâ‚‚ storage during driving, newly added to this round of testing, marking a step forward toward the practical application of the system and the achievement of carbon negativity.Under the theme “The Joy of Driving Fuels a Sustainable Tomorrow,” Mazda announced “Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture” at last year’s JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2025, and is aiming to realize mobility that reduces COâ‚‚ the more you drive by 2035.

In this demonstration test, a COâ‚‚ desorption function of the adsorption unit and a COâ‚‚ storage tank were added to the race car “MAZDA SPIRIT RACING 3 Future concept” (No. 55), which was driven using carbon-neutral fuel—hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) which is already in practical use in Europe. As in the previous test, zeolite with a porous structure was employed as the adsorbent. Zeolite readily releases COâ‚‚ when heated, enabling the captured COâ‚‚ to be desorbed using the exhaust heat generated during driving. The desorbed COâ‚‚ is then compressed by an electric compressor and stored in a tank. Mazda has successfully demonstrated this integrated process as a complete system for the first time. As a result of repeating this process throughout the 24-hour race, a total of 804 grams of COâ‚‚ was captured, achieving a significant advancement—approximately 9.6 times the previous result of 84 grams.

In addition to the storage experiment, the combined effect of COâ‚‚ reduction achieved through HVO and the amount of COâ‚‚ captured by the system temporarily exceeded the target recovery level assumed for typical use of Mazda production vehicles, confirming the potential for carbon-negative operation in production vehicles, albeit for a limited period. Building on these results, Mazda is embarking on a new phase of challenges aimed at achieving carbon negativity in racing cars, which operate under higher loads and more demanding conditions. Specifically, Mazda aims to achieve short-term carbon negativity in its racing car at Round 7 of the Super Taikyu Series, to be held this November.

Moving forward, Mazda will continue to collaborate with numerous partners to further refine the technology and equipment based on the insights gained to date, contributing to the realization of a sustainable mobility society.

Related News Releases

- Mazda Begins Demonstration Experiment of Onboard COâ‚‚ Capture System
https://newsroom.mazda.com/en/publicity/release/2025/202511/251117b.html

Related information: Mazda Corporate Website

MAZDA MIRAI BASE

- Japan Mobility Show 2025: The Joy of Driving Fuels a Sustainable Tomorrow. Mazda’s Vision for the Future of Smart Mobility in 2035
https://www.mazda.com/en/mazda-mirai-base/articles/20251029-jms2025-concept/

- Japan Mobility Show 2025: The More You Drive, the Cleaner the Planet? The MAZDA VISION X-COUPE and the Future of Joy of Driving
https://www.mazda.com/en/mazda-mirai-base/articles/20251029-jms2025-mazda-vision-xcoupe/

- Creating a Positive Future for Combustion Engine Cars: Mazda’s Public Proof-of-Concept Testing for Carbon Neutral Combustion Engine Car
https://www.mazda.com/en/mazda-mirai-base/articles/20251210-CO2-capture/

MAZDA SPIRIT RACING

- Super Taikyu Series: One of Japan’s premier endurance racing series featuring a wide range of vehicle models: (Japanese only)
https://www.mazda.com/ja/experience/mspr/motorsports/supertaikyu/

* ENEOS Super Taikyu Series 2026 Empowered by BRIDGESTONE Round 3: Fuji 24-Hour Race