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Business
Tokyo's grand motor show
THE 35th Motor Show opened to the world on a low key in Japan on October 25. This year the opening ceremony and the reception were cancelled as a way of expressing sympathy and condolences for the victims of the 11th September terrorist attack in the U.S. The special guest day for the wheel-chaired users, which would have been the first of its type in the World Motor Show, was also cancelled keeping the security aspects in mind. The show opened to the global press members on October 24 and will be open to the general public from October 27 till November 7. The organisers have implemented stringent measures for security including strict body search to guarantee any un-foreseen happening. In 1999 motor show in Japan more than a million people visited. However, there may not be many visitors as in the last motor show for reasons well known.
It is a great event to witness the world car manufacturers bring in their best products to show to the world under one roof and also launch some of their tested and well proven new products. Some new concept vehicles are also on display. The event has attracted 272 companies, including major foreign car manufacturers. With the catch line, `Open the Door! The Automobiles Bright Future the show features the latest in passenger vehicles, motorcycles, electric vehicles as well as auto parts and auto related products.
The Japan Motor Industrial Federation organises the show and which is supported by the Japanese government, municipal governments and various organisations related to the automotive. Tokyo Motor Show will make available the latest information on the automobile industry worldwide. This show will feature fuel-efficient vehicles, small cars, hybrid auto, fuel cell driven vehicles and cars designed to accommodate the disabled. Automobile manufactures including the Toyota Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co., General Motors Corporation, Ford Motors Co., Daimler Chrysler AG and Renault have displayed their new models as well as their concept cars in a hall that has a floor space of 28,205 sq.metres.
Motor cycle manufacturers, including Honda Motor Co., Yamaha Motor Co., Suzuki Motor Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Harley Davidson Motor Co. are also taking part in the event to display their latest models in the 4,030 sq. m, North Hall. Auto parts, accessory, tyre and audio equipment makers, including Zenrin Co., Alpine Electronics, Sony Corporation, Bridgestone, Dunlop and Michelin are displaying their products in their west central and east halls. Top brass of foreign automobile manufactures is available at hand to answer company related questions and their future plans.
In another hall of 1100 sq. m, the members of the Japan Electric Vehicle Association are displaying electric vehicles. Visitors can enjoy a test drive of the electric vehicle starting from the parking lot to the place of exhibition. The show also features a special exhibition called `Breakthrough in automotive technology which features displays of various vehicles, including the `Otomo the first automobile to be produced entirely in Japan. The Otomo is on display in the event hall. A vedio presentation highlighting the technological development of Japanese vehicles also rolls in a closed loop on the side.
The organizers are staging a childrens art show displaying 3443 works of art by children from kindergartens using the theme `The Automobile of our dream. A show related symposium will be held on October 31. At the Makuhari Prince Hotel located closer to the event halls. The symposium is called `Open the door: A smart drive for the new tomorrow how do different generations perceive the charm and value of vehicles. Participants will discuss the influence of the social and environmental changes, including Japans aging society as well as lifestyle issues related to driving. The forum will discuss environmental preservation measures being taken by the automotive industry. The show provides ample facilities for visitors with children, such as a Kids Corner complete with minicars on the second floor of the North Hall. For more information on the motor show do visit the web site (www.motorshow.or.jp). The easiest way to get there is to take a train from Tokyo station for `Kaihin Makuhari Station which is about thirty minutes away on the JR Keiyo Line and then a five minutes walk to the event site.
Tutu Dhawan
in Tokyo
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