Tokyo Motor Show

Tokyo Motor Show is a show held every other October in the Makuhari Messe Convention Center. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association holds the show every year and is home to multiple concept car debuts with less of a focus on production models. It is considered one of the big five shows, with the other four being held in Detroit, Geneva, Paris, and Frankfurt.

History

Originally held in April of 1954, the show was called the All Japan Motor Show and was held in Hibiya Park where 547,000 visitors and 254 exhibitors took place. However, of the vehicles only 17 were passenger vehicles. The show was later moved to the Korakuen Bicycle Racing Track due to Subway construction and moved again to the Harumi Showplace due to the weather in 1958 at the track.

Starting in 1973, when the international energy crisis struck all oil consuming nations, the show became biennial and was then later relocated to Makuhari Messe in 1989. The show was annual again for a short time between 2001 and 2005 but returned to its biennial format in 2007.

Major Introductions

Throughout the history of the Tokyo Motor show, many major concept introductions have ben made there, including:

• Mazda AZ-550 Sport
• Honda NSX
• Nissan S-Cargo
• Ford Mustang’s 1993 redesign
• Nissan Skyline GT-R R33
• Mercedes Benz Maybach
• Nissan GTR Concept
• Nissan Fairlady Z Z33
• Ferrari GG50
• Honda FCX
• Honda WOW
• Hyundai Neos-3
• Lexus LF-Sh
• Mercedes Benz F600
• Mitsubishi Concept D:5
• Mitsubishi i
• Nissan Amenio
• Nissan Pivo
• Subaru B5-TPH
• Suzuki Ionis
• Toyota Estima
• Toyota FSC
• Honda CR-Z
• Honda Inspire
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
• Nissan X-Trail

Since the late 1990s, the cars shown in the Tokyo Motor Show have become increasingly fuel efficient with recent shows putting a heavy emphasis on hybrids, electric cars, and alternative fuel sources. Toyota has introduced multiple new hybrid models in concept form since 2005 and other companies have followed suit as well.

External Links

• Official Tokyo Motor Show Website (English)