Update From The Tokyo Auto Show

It was cloudy but sometimes shiny on the first weekday (Monday, October 29). The visitor turnout, however, was roughly on par with the last show. Over the weekend, Makuhari Messe was so crowded that many people were unable to view the cars they came to see. The crowds flowed more smoothly on Monday, although visitors still had to negotiate large lines to see the more popular sports cars and next-generation concept cars.

Daihatsu had its joint exhibition with Toyota as was seen at last year's commercial vehicles show. This year, it shows off the synergies in the group with its small, ultra-low fuel consumption ``eco-cars.''

As you go into the Toyota group booth, you can't help but see the two racing cars right in front, the F1 and the CART. But look from the central aisle towards the main stage and then the little bit right and you'll find the Daihatsu corner, with its new ``MUSE'' concept car.

There are 10 reference exhibits on display, just like last year, and three of these are environment-friendly ``eco-cars.'' Visitors are particularly interested in the ultra-low fuel consumption hybrid ``UFE'' minicar. The guide explains, ``It's a dream car; it can go 55 kilometers on a liter of gasoline (10/15 mode).'' More than a few visitors were seen to stop in their tracks, exclaim ``Really?'' and begin questioning the engineers.

In the fuel cell car corner, Daihatsu's ``MOVE FCV-K-II'' is on display next to Toyota's ``FCHV-5'' and ``FCHV-4.'' Daihatsu's is the first minicar to use compressed hydrogen, and carries a ``Toyota FC Stack'' high-performance fuel cell, an indication of the group synergy at work in the joint exhibit. Daihatsu also has a new sports model on display, the convertible, 2 seater ``COPEN'' minicar. It is backed by a 12 meter wide, 3 meter high screen playing 3D videos to create an ambient, futuristic driving scene.