US car makers skip Tokyo Show
Top American car makers will be absent from the 45th Tokyo Motor Show. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) released the list of participants overnight, and GM, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler were all missing from the line-up. It’s the fifth show in a row GM and Ford won’t be making an appearance, but Fiat Chrysler exhibited Jeep and Fiat models in the previous event. “We wanted them to join, but regrettably, there was no application from them,” JAMA Chairman Hiroto Saikawa, president of Nissan, told journalists at a news conference. The total list of participants, including suppliers and related auto companies, has slid to 150, from 160 at the previous event. JAMA said that 13 foreign car and motorcycle makers will participate in the 45th Tokyo Motor Show later this year, four fewer than the last show. Some car makers, however, will be putting in repeat appearances. Volvo and Harley-Davidson have committed to return to Tokyo after missing out on the 2013 event, while Swedish truck maker Scania will join the line-up for the first time. Participation in Tokyo has waned in recent years as the event has been overshadowed by glitzy motor shows in China, such as Auto Shanghai and Auto China, held in Beijing. The Tokyo Motor Show will run from October 27 to November 5 this year.
