Recent Japanese trademark filings suggest that Toyota and Pokemon developers are teaming up to create a special Pikachu car. Called the Pi!car! project, the car seems to serve as a proof-of-concept for environmentally-friendly cars of the future.
The Pokemon franchise is no stranger to partnerships with major brands. For example, Pikachu served as a mascot for Japan in the FIFA World Cup 2014, and Pokemon GO partnered with the child-focused charity UNICEF in 2018. What is unique, however, is the timing. As the COVID-19 pandemic has canceled many major Pokemon-related events, it is surprising to see a partnership move ahead at full steam.
Two cartoon-like illustrations of the Pi!car! project's Pikachu car were included with the trademark applications. A number of Pikachu cars have been developed over the years, but those projects focused solely on the gimmick of seeing Pikachu on the road. By contrast, the Pi!car! project appears to use the eye-catching Pikachu design to showcase cutting-edge vehicle technology. NintendoSoup reports that the vehicle will not emit gas fumes, although it is unclear whether the Pikachu car will run on gas or something else.
Pikachu has appeared in a variety of unusual forms, but the Pi!car! project takes it to a new level. None of the trademark filings suggest that the Pi!car! will appear in video games, so the project will likely extend no farther than the creation of the Pikachu car. As the trademark filings were not publicized, it is clear the Pi!car! project is not ready to be revealed to the public. This means there is no given timeframe for when we can expect to see the Pi!car! be publicly announced.
Some Pokemon fans may be annoyed by Pikachu taking the spotlight in yet another promotion. The series has a range of more powerful mascots, as well as mascots associated with protecting the environment. As such, Pikachu may not be the best fit for this particular project. Even some rarely-seen Pokemon like Charjabug are associated with a vehicle motif, which could make them a better fit.
Still, many will be pleased to see a creative new direction for the iconic electric mouse. After recent series games have been accused of creative stagnation, seeing new takes on classic Pokemon is a welcome sight, and the Pi!Car! project is no exception. Some of the most promising upcoming Pokemon projects are being handled by developers outside Nintendo (such as New Pokemon Snap), and although Toyota isn't a game developer, it will be interesting to see what it brings to the franchise - and to the streets.
Source: NintendoSoup