Japan's Floating Parking Spot Keeps Cars Safe from FloodwatersCar and DriverBrendan McAleerSat, September 12, 2026 at 12:48 AM UTCAdd us on GoogleFloating Parking Spot Keeps Cars Safe from FloodsMonarteJapan's been getting rocked by flash flooding, and it's been damaging hundreds of vehicles.This floating parking pad is a durable and elegant way to keep a parked car safe as the water rises.It'll float an impressive 6600 pounds, enough for even a heavy EV.Flooding can be a nightmare when it comes to vehicle ownership, as even brief immersion can ruin everything from the electronics to the upholstery. Even the few EVs that are designed to briefly float aren't safe and can be carried away and damaged by surging or receding waters. Now, there's an innovative solution out of Japan.The country is no stranger to sudden flooding events, as proven just this month in the Nagoya area in the center of the country. There, torrential rainfall was sufficient to stop the trains from running—for Japanese infrastructure, this is code red—and streets everywhere were flooded to hip height.MonarteIf you weren't already parked high up in a parking garage, then bad news. The flash flooding was particularly bad for dealership lots. However, at this year's Tokyo auto show, a forward-thinking solution had already been proposed.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt's called the Monarte Floating Floor, and it's one of those simple and elegant devices that makes you ask, "Why are we only just now doing this?" Basically a large, resin-coated slab of waterproof foam, it's a parking spot that floats when water levels start rising.Four steel posts hold the foam pad in place as it begins to rise, with the lifting capacity rated for over 6600 pounds. The actual height capacity of the system is not listed, as it's flexible based on the length of the steel posts that are used.MonarteThe genius of the Monarte system is that it's not a specialized lift that owners would use with foreknowledge of impending disaster, but just a parking spot that you'd use every day. There are no mechanical parts, float tanks, or electric sensors. You simply park your car in a spot, and if there's a surprise flood overnight, you'll wake up to find it bobbing happily above the waves until the water recedes.If you were the owner of a dealership in the Nagoya area, one affected by this month's floods, it's certainly the kind of infrastructure you might install out front. Apart from the steel posts, it otherwise functions as an ordinary parking spot, only providing automotive flotation when needed.MonarteAs a company, Monarte's a bit interesting, as it's a subsidiary of Tajima Motor. The latter is named for its founder, Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima, a long-time Pikes Peak Hill Climb competitor and record-setter. Monarte specifically handles flood and other disaster prevention and mitigation supplies, but its parent company does everything from racing equipment to selling small EVs.AdvertisementAdvertisementThus far, the Monarte Floating Floor is a Japan-only thing, but if you had a beach house in Florida with a supercar parked in the garage, it's the kind of thing you might want to install. Imagine: you're out of the country and get the notification that there's flooding in Miami, including in your area.Well, that's the furniture and carpet needing replacing, you might think to yourself. But at least your McLaren will be undisturbed, floating on foam above the water as if it were facing nothing more dangerous than a pool day.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029