The Tokyo Motor Show is shrinking

Due to the economic downturn, the Tokyo Motor Show was interrupted for four days.

Just days after the cancellation of the British Motor Show, the first major international casualty of the global economic downturn, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association has decided to shorten this year's October Tokyo Motor Show by four days.

The decision to hold the 41st event is due to the growing number of no-shows.

In addition to America's big three _ Chrysler, Ford and General Motors _, the canceled list for 2009 includes Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Renault, Lamborghini, Hino Motors, Isuzu, Mitsubishi Fuso (trucks and buses) and Nissan Diesel.

Everyone is blaming the economic downturn and the list is expected to grow.

Chinese and Korean automakers will also be left out.

That's why JAMA, which was seriously considering canceling the show earlier this year, has also decided to reduce usable floor space from the usual four halls to perhaps just two at the mammoth Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, an hour east of Tokyo. .

But all is not yet lost. The world's largest automaker will put extra effort into this year's show in an attempt to stimulate the market, according to a source close to Toyota.

A source at Toyota says the production version of the V10-powered Lexus LF-A supercar will be delayed from its scheduled debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show to star in Tokyo, while the company will also show the car that was rumored to have been delayed. _ A Toyota-Subaru joint venture for a rear-wheel drive sedan that uses the Impreza platform and powertrain.

Toyota will also showcase a full range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as the latest electric vehicle and battery technologies.

Originally scheduled to run from October 23rd to November 8th, the show's new closing date will be November 4th.