Toyota launches Woven City mobility lab in Japan

Toyota has officially launched its Woven City innovation hub in Japan, where the first residents have begun living in what the company describes as a living laboratory for testing future mobility solutions.

The facility in Susono, Shizuoka Prefecture, opened at the end of September with its first residents, known as “Weavers”, moving into the experimental city developed by Woven by Toyota.

Woven City is designed to test human-centric solutions for the movement of people, goods, information and energy. Demonstrations include advanced driving assistance systems, mobility software platforms, smart logistics and next-generation community energy systems.

The project aims to foster what Toyota calls “Kakezan” – a Japanese concept of multiplication where new innovation and societal value emerge from the convergence of different ideas and capabilities.

Connecting global innovation to local action

Toyota New Zealand chief executive Tatsuya Ishikawa says the Woven City philosophy connects directly to the local operation’s mission to deliver “Mobility for All”.

“Toyota New Zealand is not just envisioning the future of transport but actively creating it. We believe mobility is a universal right, and through technology we are evolving from being solely a new vehicle sales-oriented company to offering total mobility solutions to drive New Zealand forward,” Ishikawa says.

“That includes electrification and multiple powertrain technologies, but also flexible options such as shorter-term car sharing via Cityhop by Toyota and car rentals via Ezi Car Rental by Toyota, which will make driving a Toyota more accessible than ever.”

While Woven City tests future mobility concepts, Toyota New Zealand is implementing related solutions locally. Through Cityhop by Toyota, described as New Zealand’s first car share service, customers can access vehicles when needed without ownership costs. Ezi Car Rental by Toyota provides flexible short and long-term rental options for varying transport needs.

Toyota’s hybrid electric vehicle leadership has resulted in more than 100,000 hybrids on New Zealand roads, reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The company is also investing in hydrogen innovation and supporting Global Bus Ventures through hydrogen trucks.

The deployment of the GEH2 generator, powered by Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology, demonstrates zero-emission energy applications for events, worksites and communities.

“As Woven City evolves, the technologies pioneered there will shape real-world solutions here in New Zealand. From smarter energy systems to more flexible mobility services. These innovations ensure we can preserve the Kiwi way of life while reducing our environmental impact, strengthening our economy, and supporting our communities to thrive,” Ishikawa says.

Woven City will continue expanding, with around 300 residents expected in its first phase and wider public access planned from 2026.

Toyota New Zealand says it remains committed to ensuring its services are accessible to everyone and adaptable to diverse customer needs, from car share and rental platforms to vehicle electrification and hydrogen power.

The company’s Toyota NZ Sustainability Report, set for release this week, will provide further details on future mobility plans and their role in reducing New Zealand’s carbon emissions.