Tokyo Motor Show 2009

The 41st Tokyo Motor Show was held from October 24 to November 4, 2009 at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba.

A very large convention taking 3 halls, it was very crowded, normal for any Tokyo event.  Electric vehicle (EV) green concept cars were certainly the most popular theme of the show.

 

Speed Racer was there, but none of the North American and European car makers showed up.  Of course, all the Japanese auto manufacturers were present.

Mitsubishi Motors featured a plug in electronic vehicle concept car called the MiEV.

Nissan had one of the largest booths on the convention floor located in the East Hall beside Mitsubishi Motors.

With its Zero Emission theme, Nissan led the way in its electric vehicle (EV) concept cars.  The Leaf is a pure electric vehicle powered only by electricity, its battery can be charged at home with a driving range of 160 km.

The Land Glider is an ultra compact and light EV with a unique driving sensation of titled cornering (like a motorcycle).

The new Fuga (which also comes in a Hybrid model) will be available in Japan in the fall of 2009 (now!).

The Prius is one of the best selling cars today, and Toyota showed a Prius plug-in hybrid EV concept car.

Toyota also had a musical show to feature its Winglet personal transports and FT-EV II electric concept car.

Beside Toyota was Lexus of course, who introduced its new 4.8 liter V10 LFA and hybrid LF-Ch (pictured below).

 

Mazda had one of the most interesting concept cars and display in the show called the Kiyora using its new SKYTECH feature.

Suzuki featured it new concept compact car called the Alto Concept, an evolution from the original Alto introduced in 1979.  Compared to the Mazda Kiyora above, Alto seems plain and boring – ho hum.

Subaru featured its Hybrid Touring concept car with a cool roof hinged door.

 

Honda’s Asimo Robot hosted its show spotlighting innovation by featuring the new U3-X Personal Mobility Device and its latest concept cars.

Honda concept cars on display were the CRZ and Skydeck.

One of the few non-Japanese auto manufacturers was Lotus, which was previously owned by GM, and is now owned by Malaysian carmaker Proton.

 

There were also a number of motorcycles from Yamaha, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Suzuki and others.

Tire manufacturers were also present with booths from Bridgestone, Pirelli, Dunlop and others.

There was also a Car of the Year Japan (30th Year Anniversary) exhibition featuring the Toyota Prius as the 2009-2010 winner.

 

Previous Car of the Year winners were also featured including the Toyota MR2, the 1984-1985 Car of the Year.

In the Motor Lounge on the convention floor, there were a few classic cars on display.

Finally, I found a Canada booth and an Ontario license plate (as part of the license plate exhibit) to remind me of a little bit of home.