JAMA says Tokyo Motor Show may be cancelled
Blaming the global financial crisis, and the fact that fewer non-Japanese automakers have signed up to exhibit, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers' Association is in the midst of debating whether or not to cancel the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The show is set to run this Oct. 23-Nov. 8. If canceled, it won't open its doors again until 2011 due to scheduling agreements with other top-tier auto shows. Toshihiro Iwatake, JAMA's executive director and secretary general, told Automotive News that he favors going ahead with the show regardless. "We think the motor show is a symbol of industrial prosperity," he said. "We have to show that our industry is healthy." Iwatake added that the deadline for automakers to register was late last year, and some of the "usual manufacturers" hadn't made the cut... but he wouldn't say which manufacturers hadn't booked the show. The North American International Auto Show is in full swing this week even with the absence of industry players such as Nissan, Suzuki, Porsche, and Land Rover. Each of the Detroit 3 are strongly present. If one of the Japanese Big 3 (Toyota, Honda, and Nissan) pull out of the Tokyo Motor Show, the event could face certain doom say industry sources. The decision on whether or not to cancel the Tokyo Motor Show will be made next month. In the meantime, Iwatake says that JAMA is welcoming late registrants.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Avinash machado 11:36AM (1/13/2009)
the fact that fewer non-Japanese automakers have signed up to exhibit.
Considering that non-Japanese cars are sold in such small numbers in Japan, why would non-Japanese automakers want to exhibit their cars at the Tokyo Motor Show?
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Mazda FTW! 11:36AM (1/13/2009)
Who would have thought that some of the best established players (the Japanese big guns) in the market today (in terms of financially soundness) would be the first ones to pull out of every sport, auto show and event
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Temple 12:17PM (1/13/2009)
Since 2007 the Tokyo motor show is biennial. They don't do it every year, we are on the 42nd Tokyo Motor show in the last 54 years.
In general, Motorshows are becoming increasingly a poor investment compared to the tens of millions of dollars it costs. Especially in the world of "new media" and the internet. You can get your information out via blogs and internet sites (like Autoblog) for almost nothing and more people will actually see your product quicker and in high-resolution. The money saved can be used instead on advertising.
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Michael Harley 12:36PM (1/13/2009)
An excellent (and very valid) point.
- Mike
Smegley 12:26PM (1/13/2009)
I think Tokyo Motor Show administration saw the smile on the new Medusa3 ...... I mean Mazda3 .... and decided to cancel the show rather than deal with the lawsuits from all the brain damage done when people see that monstrosity.
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Ligor 12:47PM (1/13/2009)
lmao
u,
add the Prius/Fit/Legacy/camry to that ugly list as well
Galley 12:27PM (1/13/2009)
Love the poster!
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jharlan 1:57PM (1/13/2009)
I wonder if Subaru will replace Nissan as one of the Japanese big 3. People out here in mountain and snow country love those little 4 wheel drive station wagons.
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Evan 3:33PM (1/13/2009)
Hmmm... I was planning my next Japan trip around the TMS. I really hope it doesn't get cancelled.
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P.V. 5:00PM (1/13/2009)
As far as I'm concerned, spokespeople for the show are saying it is still good to go (despite these rumors to the contrary).
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Gary 9:25PM (1/13/2009)
It wouldn't too great a loss, as the concept cars from Japanese manufacturers are ridiculous stuff like the mechanical loaf of bread called the Honda Puyo or Nissan Pivo with the gay-ass robot that talks to you.
Ugh.
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