Японский автомобильный салон: история и перспективы

Biennial auto show in Tokyo, Japan

The Japan Mobility Show (ジャパンモビリティショー) (TMS) is a biennial auto show held in October–November at the Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), it is a recognized international show by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, and normally sees more concept cars than actual production car introductions which is the reason why the auto press see the show as one of the motorshow's big five (along with Detroit, Geneva, Frankfurt and Paris). For the first time in its 67 year history, the Tokyo Motor Show was cancelled for 2021 due to rising cases of COVID 19. Until 2019, it was the Tokyo Motor Show (東京モーターショー).

It was held from October 25 to November 7, 1960.

It was held from October 25 to November 7, 1961. The "brilliant" Eighth Motor Show featured various sports cars and prototypes. The exhibiting area was double the space of the previous show and a South Gate was newly added. An extended exhibition time (through 8 p. m.) was introduced on two days of this year's show. The total number of visitors surpassed 900,000. The Japanese government announced the "Income Doubling Plan" at the year end of the previous year, and individual spending gradually increased. The so called "3 C Period" was approaching the general public. People's dreams were to have a car, color TV and air conditioner. Buoyed by the upturned economy, the star models were presented at the Motor Show. Many international products were also showcased. They were the Prince Skyline Sports Convertible designed by Michelotti, the Nissan Fairlady prototype, the Italian style Toyopet Sports X, and the Daihatsu 700cc engine car.

It was held from October 25 to November 7, 1962. The highlight of this year's Motor Show was Honda's first automobile. The company has already earned a world class reputation in motorcycle races such as the World Grand Prix, and unveiled its two models on the stage: The Honda Sports 360 and 500. This helped the event attract one million and more visitors for the first time. The street from Ginza to the Harumi venue was congested with more than 10,000 cars going to the motor show every day and the organizer was forced to change it to a one way street. At the same time, maritime transport was introduced between Takeshiba Pier and Harumi. The exhibiting areas were extended to accommodate a total of 410 vehicles. A Technical Center also debuted in an out door area at the show hosted by the Japan Automotive Service Equipment Association and others.

It was held from October 26 to November 10, 1963. "To respond to the coming liberalization of automobile import, Japanese carmakers displayed an array of new cars," newspapers reported in regard to the Tenth Motor Show. As part of the 10th anniversary program, the admission fee for the first day of the show was set at 500 yen (100 yen fee plus 400 yen donation for the Community Chest Center). From this year's show, two halls were provided for passenger car exhibits to help passenger cars become the stars of the motor show. A test driving course was created in the south of the exhibition area, which became very popular among visitors. This suggested that the show should include "an experience oriented event." Many cars designed by foreign car designers were also displayed at the show. Notably, Toyo Kogyo (former Mazda Motor Corp.) unveiled its rotary engine series, which the company reportedly had a hard time to develop. The company's advanced sports car fitted with the rotary engine was finally on the stage.

It was held from October 29 to November 11, 1965. A feeling that the time of high economic growth had come was in the air. The 12th Tokyo Motor Show was held immediately after the October 1 introduction of the automobile import liberalization. For this year's motor show, Japanese carmakers thus emphasized sales promotion rather than presenting showy exhibits. To cope with imported automobiles, luxury Japanese models were on display, including the President fitted with a V8 4,000cc engine, the New Cedric, and Crown V8 engine model which was previously showcased at last year's show. In the small car category, a variety of new models were unveiled in the 800 1,000cc engine class, including Japan's first fastback model, the Colt 800, the Honda S800/N800, Subaru 1000, and Familia Coupe 1000. My Cars (One's own cars), which were not used for taxi models, were also highlighted at the show.

It was held from October 26 to November 8, 1967. The 14th Tokyo Motor Show provided an opportunity for promoting traffic safety to society. A "Traffic Safety Corner" was created on the second floor of the 8th Hall (space for passenger cars) to allow visitors to experience tests. At the 2nd Hall, another promotion was conducted concerning the importance of the helmet. Although the number of exhibited vehicles slightly decreased to 655 units, compared to the previous year, attractive vehicles were on display. Toyota's Century, fitted with a V8 cylinder 3,000cc engine, was introduced as the company's flagship model. Nissan also unveiled its Bluebird 510. The vehicle features unique exterior design without triangle windows as well as a new independent 4 wheel suspension, which also became a popular model in the U. S. later. Toyo Kogyo displayed its rotary engine cars, the RX87 and RX85, as reference models.

The theme was "Vehicle of Character Across the World, Building Our Future". It was held from October 31 to November 4, 2000.

The theme was "Sense the Evolution Commercial Vehicles on Stage". It was held from October 29 to November 3, 2002.

Hybrid and electric vehicles dominated the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Concepts for new hybrids, plug in hybrids, electric vehicles from Japan's leading automakers are now on display at the Tokyo Motor Show. As one example, Toyota Motor Corporation introduced its 1/X (pronounced "one Xth") concept vehicle, a Prius like sedan that tips the scales at a third of the weight of the Prius and obtains double the Prius' fuel economy. The vehicle cuts its weight by using carbon fiber reinforced plastic in its frame and boosts its fuel economy with a small plug in hybrid powertrain that can be fueled with either gasoline or E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Toyota's other plug in hybrid concept, the Hi CT, is a small, boxy, two door vehicle aimed at young car buyers. In addition, Toyota's luxury brand, Lexus, introduced its next generation hybrid sport utility vehicle, the LF Xh, an all wheel drive vehicle powered by a V6 engine teamed up with a high output electric motor. General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and Hyundai did not attend the show. Among the other automakers, Honda Motor Company, Ltd., unveiled the CR Z, a "next generation lightweight sports car" that features Honda's hybrid electric drivetrain, and the PUYO, another small, boxy vehicle, powered by a fuel cell. Honda will also unveil the one wheeled scooter transport, the Honda U3 X.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation introduced a Beetle like electric vehicle with in wheel electric motors, called the i MiEV Sport, which even has a solar panel on its roof. Nissan unveiled the Pivo 2, a small electric vehicle with a lithium ion battery pack and wheel motors. But Japanese automakers weren't the only ones unveiling clean car concepts in Tokyo. Audi arrived with its "Metroproject Quattro," a plug in hybrid with a direct injection, turbocharged, gasoline engine mounted up front and a 30 kilowatt motor on its rear axle. The concept vehicle employs a lithium ion battery pack that allows it to run on electric power only.

Due to the COVID 19 pandemic in Tokyo, the 2021 Tokyo Motor Show was cancelled. It is the first time the show was not held as scheduled since it started in 1954.