Tokyo Motor Show: We Saw Dreams of the Future
TOKYO--Nov. 8, 2001--It was partly cloudy on the final day of the Motor Show. Visitor turnout was slow in the morning, but picked up and reached regular levels during the afternoon.
Attendance figures have been solid throughout the show, perhaps because people are seeking dreams and enjoyment as a remedy for the current uncertainties and economic doldrums. One of the things that stood out at the show was the number of families pushing baby carriages, and the number of senior citizens as well.
Opening the Door to the Bright Future
The 35th Tokyo Motor Show officially closed at 7:00 pm today. It was a show unlike any that proceeded it. The opening ceremony was canceled, visitor bags were subject to inspection, and security was substantially reinforced. We are grateful to exhibitors and all those involved for their support and cooperation in these efforts to ensure safety. The show concluded with no major problems.
Total visitors over the 13-day period reached 1,276,900. This is a far better turnout than we expected, given the fact that this year's show had one less holiday than last show and the domestic economy is in a slump. The public still has a strong interest in how the automobile will be changing in the this century, and exhibitors made every effort to answer that question. The booths were full of next generation technologies and designs: concept cars equipped with new environment, safety and information technologies, and sports cars given new styling that reinforces and redefines the ultimate in driving pleasure.
"Fun," "dreams," "uniqueness," "enthusiasm," etc. The themes chosen by exhibitors were upbeat expressions of our hopes and dreams for tomorrow. They could not have been better suited the show theme of "Open the door! The Automobile's Bright Future."
As was already announced, the Japan Motor Industrial Federation, Inc. (JMIF) will merge with The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA) in May of next year and the JAMA will take over as the organizer of the Tokyo Motor Show. We remain committed to improving and enhancing the show and to meeting your expectations and needs. We encourage you to continue to support the Tokyo Motor Show and thank you for all your efforts this year.