All About Japan Autos

Future Products Models

Stung by the recession, the auto industry has been scaling back its traditionally lavish series of auto shows. Automakers use the events to show the press and the public new car models and “concept cars” suggesting future designs. There are dozens of such shows throughout the year, but traditionally the most significant take place in Detroit, Geneva and Tokyo.

This week’s Detroit Auto Show has been a subdued affair compared to previous years. Now, reports say that the Tokyo Motor Show may not happen at all.

Autoblog reports, “GM and Chrysler are now confirming that they have pulled out of October’s Tokyo Motor Show, and word is that Ford didn’t meet last year’s sign-up deadline, so they probably won’t be in attendance, either…In fact, if recent reports are accurate, the entire Tokyo Motor Show is itself in doubt.” The decision to pull out of the show is not surprising, “Given the high cost associated with building and staffing an international auto show stand – not to mention diminishing crowds and increased exposure through other forms of media.”

The industry group that organizes the show insists it will go ahead without the Big Three, Forbes reports. “Nobuyuki Takahashi, spokesman for the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, said there were no scheduling changes for the exhibition set for late October.” Toyota and Honda have confirmed plans to participate.

At least half a dozen major auto shows,” according to Bloomberg, “have been canceled or scaled back since November, when GM decided not to hold a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show.” Even the biggest shows have been affected. “Nissan Motor Co., Suzuki Motor Corp. and Porsche SE didn’t go to this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which opened to the media this week.”

The cancellations in Tokyo, according to Jalopnik, are “important news” because they show that “the same conversations happening here in Detroit are happening overseas.”

The industry downturn, however, is great news for car buyers — at the moment, many cars are available at significant discounts. Research the best car deals with U.S. News’ car rankings and reviews.