German Engineer Winfried Hermann and Japanese Parking Machine

In the bustling city of Tokyo, a delegation led by Winfried Hermann, the Minister of Transport for Baden-Württemberg, is currently on a visit. The delegation, which includes Thomas Dörflinger and State Secretary Florian Hassler (Greens), is in the midst of a 13,000-kilometer journey around half the globe, marking one of Hermann's last major trips before leaving politics.

The delegation's itinerary includes a visit to the automotive startup Fomm in Yokohama, a city in the province of Kanagawa governed by Yuji Kurojawa. Both regions, Baden-Württemberg and Kanagawa, share similar challenges, such as a strong dependence on the automotive industry and the difficult transformation to electromobility.

Fomm, a smaller company compared to giants like Toyota, is making waves in the industry with its innovative approaches. While Toyota continues to rely on its Asian hybrid gasoline engine, Fomm is exploring new technologies. The company's latest model, the Fomm 2, promises a 100-kilometer range, super fast charging in just two minutes, autonomous driving, and is set to hit the market in 2027.

Interestingly, the Fomm1, the company's first model, boasts unique features such as the ability to drive on water and rotate its wheels 360 degrees. The model, priced at 12,000 euros, has already made a splash in the market.

Winfried Hermann has expressed interest in using Fomm cars in Baden-Württemberg, a region known for its high-tech industry and progressive policies. The potential partnership could be a significant step towards the region's transition to electromobility.

Yuji Kurojawa, the governor of the province of Kanagawa, has been a long-time partner of Baden-Württemberg, with the partnership established in 1989. The delegation's visit is a testament to the strong ties between the two regions.

As the delegation continues their journey, they are taking in the sights of Tokyo, including the famous cherry blossoms, and exploring the city's unique living spaces. Tokyo's apartments are small and efficient, with high-rise buildings towering to the city limits, housing small living cells.

Despite the technological advancements in the automotive industry, Japan's share of pure electric vehicles remains relatively low at 1.7 percent. The visit from the Baden-Württemberg delegation could potentially spur further innovation and adoption of electric vehicles in Japan.

Politically, Japan remains conservative, with women playing a subordinate role. However, the visit from the Green-led delegation could signal a shift towards more sustainable and inclusive policies in the future.

As the delegation wraps up their visit to Fomm, they have made initial order requests for the innovative vehicles, marking a potential step forward in the partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Kanagawa. The visit to Japan also marks the end of a long journey for Winfried Hermann, who is set to leave politics soon. However, his legacy in promoting sustainable transportation and fostering international partnerships will undoubtedly continue to influence the industry for years to come.

Meanwhile, Fomm continues to push the boundaries of automotive technology, producing their cost-effective models in the Philippines. The company's innovative approach and promising technology have captured the attention of the delegation, and the wider automotive industry, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable transportation.