REPORT: More foreign automakers skipping Tokyo Motor Show as tally swells to 22
As of Thursday, Porsche and Maserati are the latest two brands to pull out of the biennial Tokyo Motor Show. That brings the tally to 22 foreign brands sitting out the Japanese showcase, leaving Hyundai, Ferrari, and Lotus to duel for import honors. Said a show spokesman, "It is unprecedented to see such a large number of carmakers not coming to the motor show. It's disappointing."
And even though Japan's 14 domestic makers are expected to show in force, the country's four largest truck makers have said they won't be coming. At least one report has said there will be half as many cars this year as there were two years ago. As with the other brands that have decided to pass on this year's show, Porsche and Maserati cited the cost of attendance.
[Source: Taiwan News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jpm100 1:50PM (5/23/2009)
For a foreign maker, advertising/pr in Japan is pretty much optional not matter what you have to offer.
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Randy915 5:28PM (5/23/2009)
The Japanese car market's dwindling more rapidly than most countries due to a perceived lack of need for a car. With probably the best public transportation system in the world why bother worrying about parking fees and traffic?
I applaud these automakers for making this decision, it's tough but skipping this show was a no-brainer.
willyolio 12:51PM (5/24/2009)
let's see:
1. economy.
2. japanese cars are just better- styling, reliability, not going bankrupt, etc.
3. japanese cars offer models that americans don't: e.g. Kei cars.
4. home advantage.
yeah, i don't think the americans should even try. germans might have a chance, though.
B 4:41PM (5/23/2009)
Dear Auto Maker,
If you think the Americans are going to buy these Electric cars ...you do not have the "truth" about how Americans feel about their cars.
Americans love POWER in their cars. There are only 1% of these Environmentalist that are into this so called energy and environmental change.
Go ahead and make these Electric Cars and see what is going to happen. You will go BROKE! All you will see is how the Americans will repair and replace the cars of power ....they want and desire! So, take you design ideas to the grave...because this person is not going to buy any of those cars that are dictated or push in our faces!
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elpepe 4:55PM (5/23/2009)
huh?!
oh I'm sorry... the psychiatrist office is one door to the left.
miataguy94 7:28PM (5/23/2009)
many auto makers have sensed this and this is y they are making cool hybrids :)
PorscheMan 10:48AM (5/24/2009)
It is always a shame when automakers do not attend auto shows. But really, how much do companies like Porsche make by spending the money to attend the show?
Do people buy at the autoshow? Is it not better better to spend the money elsewhere and the have the serious buyers come into the dealership, test drive it and buy it?
Has anyone ever test driven a car or bought a car at an autoshow?
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willyolio 1:07PM (5/24/2009)
no, but i HAVE been able to sit inside one car, walk 20 feet, and then sit inside a competing car to see if i liked it. i like auto shows because they are fantastic car comparison events. the only way they could be better is if they DID allow drive testing all their models at the show.
CarbonBlack 7:47PM (5/24/2009)
That is the most beautiful Cayman I've ever seen!!!
Typically I am not a fan of stripes, but those stripes look amazing on this car.
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