[Wimbledon]

As the global economic downturn takes its toll on the world automotive industry, 22 major foreign automakers have announced plans to skip the October 2009 Tokyo Motor Show in an effort to cut costs. Just three foreign automakers will make an appearance — Lotus, Ferrari, and Hyundai.

Among those not attending the biennial show include General Motors, BMW, Volkswagen, Porsche, Ford, Chrysler, Maserati, and others. All 22 had attended the previous Tokyo Motor Show in 2007.

As reported earlier this week, Lotus is in a much more stable economic position than most of the industry and plans to increase production, add jobs, and globally expand Lotus Engineering in the next year.

A spokeswoman for the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), which sponsors the event, said:

"It is unprecedented to see such a large number of carmakers not coming to the motor show. It’s disappointing."

JAMA has confirmed the 2009 show will last 4 days shorter than the 2007 show and occupy about half the floor space.

 

[...m...]

...you know, with only those three marques present, that would be a pretty interesting show to attend...

 

[Dragon]

I hit up the AutoSalon almost every year, but this show might be fun to go to... Especially if my Mazda dream car will be there...

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[Brennon]

I hit up the AutoSalon almost every year, but this show might be fun to go to... Especially if my Mazda dream car will be there...

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+1

I'd be all over the mazda speed 3 if they used these styling queues, made it rear wheel drive, and bumped up the power a bit.

 

[LotusStig22]

I hit up the AutoSalon almost every year, but this show might be fun to go to... Especially if my Mazda dream car will be there...

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You should go, take a bunch of pictures for us, and share what it was like without all the other car companies.

Ferrari F500 + Lotus Evora/New Elise/Exige + Hyundai Genesis Coupe (Which is surprisingly decent) = Pretty cool.

 

[LordCthulu]

That would be interesting to see Hyundai (made my car ;O) next to ferrari and Lotus lol - my only two other car choices! :nanner:

 

[Dragon]

October 23 (Fri.) - November 8 (Sun.) is the perfect time to hit up Tokyo.. I think I will plan on attending for at least one day... Then spend the rest of the time hitting up my favorite underground heavy metal bars...