Tokyo Motor Show -- Strong Ties to GM Unique Ideas About the Small Cars of the Near Future

    TOKYO--Nov. 7, 2001--On November 4th, just 10 days after opening, the 35th Tokyo Motor Show recorded its one millionth visitor, a pace roughly on par with last show (Passenger Cars & Motorcycles).
    With only 3 days left in the show, the 5th saw more visitors rushing in to make sure they saw it, and attendance figures were strong in spite of the cloudy weather. Exhibitors have their second wind too, making a final push and ratcheting up their performance to lure visitors inside.

    Strong ties to GM
    Unique ideas about the small cars of the near future

    Creating unique products with unique inspiration-the theme at Suzuki is "Make It Unique!" Its booth features small concept cars that are a bit different from the rest in both their design and their technology. Suzuki is located next to the GM group booth and took the motor show as an opportunity to debut the new car that the two companies collaborated on, a clear indication of the importance that it attaches to this partnership.
    The "Chevrolet Cruze" designed and developed jointly with GM is located on the stage corner next to the central aisle. Next to it you will find the "AERIO" prototype model. Suzuki held a press conference for the car right before the Motor Show, but already had it on sale by November 1st while the show was still in progress, a pace that has attracted comment and attention. All totaled, Suzuki has 11 reference cars on display, 4 of which are concept cars located front and center on the main stage. They represent its philosophy, unique ideas and active stance concerning the "convenience," "enjoyment," and "gentleness" that cars can offer, but it combines these qualities with unique concepts and ideas. The green and white bodied "Lapin" is a concept car that resembles a small household item, something that is part of everyday life. Young women and couples seem particularly to be attracted by it. The 2-seater "Covie" is a small, environment-friendly, natural-gas-powered electric car that employs the "household fuel cell generating system" developed by GM. It also comes with a full complement of information and communication technology, including onboard remote controls for your home air-conditioner and other appliances. Visitors are flocking to see what Suzuki terms the "ideal small car" of the near future.