Tokyo Motor Show aims to shrug off auto industry blues

(Relaxnews) -

Amid one of the worst slumps in the auto industry's history, organizers of the 21st Tokyo Motor Show are looking to inject new enthusiasm into the exhibition with the unveiling of 39 world premieres and a range of new events.

They accept, however, that this year's show will be a major contraction on previous events. In total, 108 auto and auto parts companies have signed up to take part in the 13-day event, which is held every other year, the fewest number of exhibitors since it was first staged in 1954.

"The economic environment that began last year has affected manufacturers' decisions on whether to attend the event this year," Satoshi Aoki, chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers' Association told reporters.

Organizers are keen to play up just what will be on display to the public, however, and have underlined the industry's commitment to an increasingly environment-friendly auto sector in the years ahead with the slogan "Fun Driving for Us, Eco Driving for Earth."

Honda Motor Co. will be displaying two new hybrid concept cars as well as an all-electric concept vehicle, expanding its range of Insight-based models.

The four-seat CR-Z Concept is a more sporty vehicle that is expected to go on sale in February, while the six-seat Skydeck has sleek gull-wing doors and a solar panel incorporated into the roof to power parts of the car's electrical system.

Not to be outdone, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will be unveiling a plug-in sport utility hybrid called the Concept PX-MiEv that is able to travel 50 km on a single liter of gasoline.

The Suzuki Swift PHV is based on its Swift subcompact chassis and can travel 20 km in electric-only mode.

Despite the unveilings, the event will inevitably be marred by the absence of nearly all the biggest names in the auto industry. South Korea's Hyundai is the latest to withdraw, citing costs, and joins foreign firms such as General Motors Corp., Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Co. and Daimler AG to pass the event by.

The only non-Japanese car makers taking part are Group Lotus of Britain and Germany's Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH.

New events this year include opportunities for members of the public to test-drive next-generation vehicles, including new motorcycle models, as well as getting behind the wheel of a virtual vehicle with the latest version of Gran Turismo at the Sony PlayStation booth. Other events include symposiums and photo exhibitions.

Tokyo Motor Show

Press Days: October 21-22

Special Guest Day: October 23

Public: October 24- November 4

Opening hours:

10 am to 6 pm on weekdays

9:30 am to 7 pm on weekends

Location:

Makuhari Messe International Convention Complex, Mihama-Ku, Chiba City, 261-0023, Japan.

Admission:

Advance tickets: Y1,100 (€7.60) for adults, Y500 (€3.80) for children

Tickets on the door: Y1,300 (€9.90) for adults, Y600 (€4.57) for children

More information:

www.tokyo-motorshow.com

Tel. +81 43 296 7711

JR