Top automakers kicked-off the Tokyo Motor Show in Makuhari, Japan on Wednesday the 21st. Japanese carmakers showed off their latest designs, including concept cars - ranging from sporty to the environmentally conscious.
[Akio Toyoda, CEO, Toyota]:
"From time to time, it becomes necessary for carmakers to think outside the box in order to have customers truly enjoy our cars."
Lexus unveiled the LF-A, a sporty high-powered roadster. The LF-A is a limited edition and only 500 units will be made and sold worldwide, costing at least $41,000 U.S. dollars.
But the overall trend at the show was hybrid and electric vehicles.
Nissan showcased their Land Glider concept vehicle and Leaf full-electric vehicle. The Leaf will hit the market next year.
Mitsubishi Motors showed-off its electric car iMiev, and the PX-MIEV which is a concept SUV version of the iMiev.
There were only two foreign automakers at the show - Lotus and Alpina.
[Tatsuya Shiosaki, Spokesman, Nissan]:
"With the worldwide economy going downhill, it's quite costly to exhibit overseas. There's also the question of where manufacturers put their efforts between the Japanese, Chinese, and American markets. It's a question that has to take into account these factors."
The government had offered incentives for automakers when car sales slumped this year. But some believe that it won’t last.
[Takanobu Ito, CEO, Honda]:
"When asked if these sort of incentives will continue, I would have to say there's a decent chance that they won't. If that does happen, there will definitely be some sort of reaction, and we are predicting a drop in demand."
The Tokyo Motor Show will run through November 4th.
