Tokyo Motor Show 2011: Japanese OEMs (1)

Exhibits of concept cars and production models by passenger car manufacturers

2012/01/06

Summary

 The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show was held for ten days from December 2nd to 11th, 2011 (Press days were on November 30th and December 1st). The venue was transferred to the Tokyo metropolitan area for the first time in 24 years; the Motor Show was held at the Tokyo Big Site for the first time. At the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, which was held after the recession in 2009, no commercial vehicle manufacturers and overseas OEMs participated. At this Motor Show, commercial vehicle manufacturers took part again and overseas OEMs centered on European OEMs exhibited their products, giving life to the Motor Show. The number of visitors during this Motor Show increased by 37% from the 41st Tokyo Motor Show to about 843,000 (announced by the organizer).

 The exhibition report has been broken down into five reports - two for Japanese OEMs, overseas OEMs and two for parts suppliers. This is the first report that covers Japanese passenger car manufacturers' concept cars and production models (planned to be launched).

 Each of the Japanese OEMs (excluding Mazda) exhibited concept cars of PHVs, EVs, and ultra-compact EVs, which shows that they put strategic priority on electric-powered vehicles. On the other hand, Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ RWD sports car, which is scheduled to be launched in 2012, attracted attention, while Nissan/Honda showcased EV sports car concept; OEMs appear to demonstrate driving pleasure to appeal to the visitors.

 Among OEMs, Toyota focuses strategically on every type of vehicles from a fuel cell vehicle, PHV, EV, to HV, including the Fun-Vii concept car, which was called a moving smart phone. On the other hand, the concept cars that Nissan exhibited were all EVs, which show its effort on "zero-emission." Honda unveiled a sports EV concept and a PHV concept and also showcased four concept mini passenger cars.

 A noticeable exhibit is Mazda's focus on the internal-combustion engine, particularly on the diesel engine that is not common in Japan. Mazda assumes to use a diesel engine in the concept car (TAKERI), which it unveiled.

This report is for paid members only. Remaining 7 chapters remaining.
Free membership registration allows you to read the rest of the article for a limited time.