2001 Tokyo Motor Show Demonstrates Multi-National and Multi-Company Links

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- This year's Tokyo Motor Show visually demonstrated the global relationships of the world's auto manufacturers. The industry's response to hybrid and electric technological challenges was on a multi-national and multi-company basis, according to Japan Auto Trends, the newsletter of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) released today.

``Strong companies are meeting the technological challenges of the future, operating each with different strategies and differing alliances, but doing so as part of a worldwide industrial fabric,'' William C. Duncan, General Director, JAMA USA said.

Brands were displayed in groups based on corporate ownership and affiliations. Ford displayed its new Thunderbird near Mazda, Volvo, Jaguar and Aston Martin models. General Motors featured its Chevrolet Cruze mini-car designed and built by Suzuki for Japan's market. In the same area were models for GM's Opel and Saab and allied partners Isuzu, Subaru and Suzuki.

DaimlerChrysler sporting a brilliant purple PT convertible and florescent green Jeep stood next to the Mercedes group. Across the aisle was DaimlerChrysler's partner Mitsubishi. Nissan was next to its Renault partner. Volkswagen was next to its newly acquired Rolls Royce.

``There was a time when the Tokyo Motor Show was organized by country of manufacture. Now it's impossible to organize that way.'' Duncan said.

The newsletter also reports on a variety of concept cars displayed at the show. For example, Toyota's concept car, the ``Pod,'' can express anger, happiness, sleepiness and even when it needs servicing. Nissan's ``Ideo'' concept vehicle is a communications tool offering such information as where to meet a friend and the location of the closest movie theater. Isuzu's ``Zen'' can be switched from ``drive mode'' to ``room mode,'' allowing for meditation and viewing scenery. Honda's hybrid four-door Dualnote model combines both cruising performance and environmental friendliness.

New special needs vehicles built by Japanese automakers were also featured at the show. Special needs vehicles are designed to accommodate the physical needs of older or physically challenged drivers or occupants.

Japan's motorcycle and scooter manufacturers exhibited a variety of production and concept models all equipped with new technologies aimed at making motorcycling more appealing to consumers. More than 295 models were on display.

The newsletter's quarterly ``Executive Highlights'' features Toru Hasegawa, President and Representative Director for Yamaha Motor Co. Mr. Hasegawa is applying his talents and energies to restructuring the 46-year-old company and making it more focused on profits.

``We are in the middle of an extensive restructuring the likes of which we have never seen in the history of our company. If everybody gets oriented to this philosophy of profitability, the company will be considerably reformed,'' Hasegawa told Japan Auto Trends.

Other stories featured in today's newsletter include: Mergers and partnerships among auto parts makers; A meeting between JAMA President Takao Suzuki and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Howard Baker;

The new user-friendly JAMA USA web site at http://www.jama.org . Japan Auto Trends examines developments in Japan's auto markets. This publication and all back issues are available on the new JAMA website. JAMA, located in Tokyo, has offices in Brussels, Singapore and Washington, D.C.