Big Three US Carmakers To Skip Tokyo Motor Show Again
Ford, General Motors and Chrysler will miss the Tokyo Motor Show for the third time running. The ‘big three’ from Detroit have not shown at the Japan event since 2007. Poor sales figures have been cited, but the carmakers initially turn
Ford, General Motors and Chrysler will miss the Tokyo Motor Show for the third time running. The ‘big three’ from Detroit have not shown at the Japan event since 2007.
Poor sales figures have been cited, but the carmakers initially turned down the invitation back in 2009 due to the onset of the Global Financial Crisis.
Last year, Ford sold just 3952 cars in Japan while GM could manage only 2732 sales (1255 sales for Cadillac, 1477 for Chevrolet). Chrysler fared slightly better, adding 4979 Jeeps to Japanese roads.
According to industry paper Automotive News, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) vice president Yoshiyasu Nao said that JAMA urged the big three to attend but they declined.
"We asked them to participate and truly wanted it, but unfortunately they declined," Mr Nao said. "It's very regrettable."
But JAMA still claim that at least 15 other foreign brands will appear at this year's show.
Of the other attendees, a new sports car concept from the joint BMW and Toyota project could emerge, as well as the Nissan GT-R Nismo and possibly a Lexus crossover concept.
TMR will bring you all the news from the Tokyo Motor Show, which runs from Friday 22 November to Sunday 1 December.
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