Volvo joins Detroit 3, skips out of Tokyo Motor Show
The 2009 Tokyo Motor Show is going to have to make do without another automaker, as Volvo has decided to save money by skipping the exhibition. Volvo's move comes after all three Detroit automakers decided to skip the event, which is held every other year. Volvo, like the Detroit automakers, doesn't have a major presence in the land of the rising sun, making the decision not to head for Tokyo easier. With the precipitous state of the global economy, the prospect of saving money doesn't suck, either. Floor space, displays, plus travel and accommodations for employees can cost quite a bit. GM spent $2 million at Tokyo in 2007, and though Volvo's display wouldn't cost that much, the tab for Tokyo time would still be steep.No Japanese automakers have dropped out yet, but the lack of foreign automaker involvement could mean postponement until 2011. Automotive News is reporting that Tokyo Motor Show officials will make a decision on what to do by early next month.
[Source: Automotive News subs req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
firstplace 5:46PM (1/17/2009)
smart move, but they will probably be sold off. Wouldent it be cool if Porsche bought them too.
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Saheed 7:34PM (1/17/2009)
Does anyone really care about Volvo? All their models look the same.
firstplace 1:21PM (1/18/2009)
for the most part I agree, but if porsche were to buy it at a super low price, cut the number of models in 1/2 and market it above VW at around low to middle BMW level (with better engines and suspension) they might have something.
MM 7:37PM (1/17/2009)
Is it really another skip since their parent company has already decided to not attend.
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Conundrum 11:03PM (1/17/2009)
@MM...
My thoughts exactly.
Mazda FTW! 7:47PM (1/17/2009)
Paybacks a bitch, eh Japan?
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verytuscan 8:14PM (1/17/2009)
Big3 skip because they are broke.
Japs didn't show up because NAIAS became irrelevant.
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Brn 10:50AM (1/19/2009)
Both sides skipped because they didn't see an ROI.
JORDAN 8:18PM (1/17/2009)
Big Deal....
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carlbolt 10:15AM (1/18/2009)
It's a right decision. Japan is a closed market except for some high end foreign cars. It doesn't make sense to join the autoshow there if no presense in Japan.
But for the NAIAS, oh my god, I don't know why they chose January, who are going to a show in a delapidated town and in a blizard bone-chiling cold weather?
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big J 6:00PM (1/18/2009)
I really don't think anyone in Japan really gives a rat's ass.
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