Tokyo Motor Show - ``The Fun of the Drive'' Combined With ``The Fun of Mobile Space''

    TOKYO--Nov. 1, 2001--TOKYO MOTOR SHOW

    A warm sunny day boosted attendance at the show today. Young people were lined up at the entrance well before 10:00. They wanted to see sports cars, of course, and domestic or foreign didn't matter. Older visitors came in large numbers too, especially being interested in the soon-to-be-launched compact cars at the booths. The good weather also brought families picnicking in the square.

    "The fun of the drive" combined with "the fun of mobile space"

    "Honda's flying high this year" was the rumor that we had heard from visitors, and it was true. During its concept car presentation, which is scheduled every 30 minutes, one of the showroom assistantS descends from the ceiling on a wire, arriving on the main stage as if she were a fairy. Then the humanoid robot ASIMO comes out to show the "Honda DNA" of consistently shooting for new dreams.
    Honda has 11 reference exhibits in this year's show. It divides its display into 4 stages: "CONCEPT," "SPORTS MIND," "SPACE MAGIC," and "TECHNOLOGY." The "CONCEPT" stage is located in the middle and slightly to the rear. It features 4 stunning new models arranged in an oval, from left: "BULLDOG," "DUALNOTE," "UNIBOX," and "MODEL X." The concept cars represent a fusion of the driving pleasure of the "SPORTS MIND" stage with the pleasing spaces of the "SPACE MAGIC" stage. This is a new evolution in Honda vehicles and one that has created new enjoyment.
    The "BULLDOG" is a new style of sports car that fuses an automobile with a motorcycle. The rear seat transforms into the "e-DAX," a removable electric motorcycle. The "DUALNOTE" is a midship type with a high-performance 3.5-liter V6 engine and a hybrid system. For those who want unparalleled driving, the "Type R" series "CIVIC" and "NSX" are on display, and near the entrance to the central aisle, there is a racing car corner with F1 and CART models. You'll find the motor sports fans crowded there. The "UNIBOX" has a unique design among concept cars with a pleasantly open space.
    Among the models already on the market, the "Fit" display is popular, and visitors are crowding around the S129;EU129&EU; a derivative of the "Fit" that will be launched this year. Honda continues to be a strong and vibrant company, as its booth shows.