Issued: 22.Oct.1997

A place for next generation vehicles with innovative technology The 32nd Tokyo Motor Show has opened to both domestic and foreign press members to the enthusiasm of exhibitors who feel the show will help spark interest during this period of low demand. As the eager press members looked around the exhibits they found various innovative next-generation vehicles, including concept cars and reference vehicles, and other new technologies. Tokyo Motor Show Trends Reflecting an environmental consciousness, an overall trend towards vehicles that balance social and commercial concerns is evident, such as downsized luxury vehicles. Vehicle design has also greatly changed. Many new vehicles on display combine the advantages of sedans and wagons, or sports cars and RVs and no longer neatly fit into the familiar classifications. A typical example is the Nissan R'nessa, publicly announced here on Oct. 22nd. The R'nessa blends the advantages of sedans, wagons and minivans, in addition, an electric vehicle (EV) variation will be added to the lineup in the coming year. These activities give us a clear glimpse of the vehicles of the future. Hybrid Vehicles Finally Unveiled Of the many low-emission vehicles here, which are attempting to tackle environmental problems, the hybrid vehicle, which combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, is attracting much attention. Recognized as the darlings in the race to prevent environmental disruption by curving CO2 emissions through improving fuel efficiency, almost every company is introducing one, including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Daihatsu and Mitsubishi. First out of the gate will be the Toyota Prius (2,150,000 yen) with sales beginning in December. People were also drawn to two-seater EVs which are hargeable with home electricity, the Toyota e-com and the Nissan Hypermini. Topics of interest in future technologies were Toyota's Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) and Mitsubishi's automated driving HSR-VI. Moreover, futuristic and light compact sports cars were displayed at the Toyota, Honda, Daihatsu and Suzuki booths. There were few new models in the sub-compact segment as makers await regulation changes slated for next October; instead, there were several limited editions and retro-style models. Foreign Vehicles Pursuing the Essence of the Motorcar While both foreign and domestic manufactures seem to be on the same path concerning the environment, there is a difference. Foreign manufacturers have gone beyond just producing efficient low emission engines and are now making it policy to use recycled materials in their bodies. This move toward nature has shown up in the wooden materials used in their booths and their aluminum bodied vehicles. The trend in vehicles has shifted from demands for high power and speed performance to seeking maximum efficiency and compactness through aptly powered engines and roomy yet compact bodies. Meanwhile, various companies are displaying stylish coupes. They seem to be making a clear statement that cars can be convenient and enjoyable while still harmonizing with the environment.

JAPAN MOTOR INDUSTRIAL FEDERATION, INC.