One
of the best parts of any motor show is
the chance to see the concept cars that
show what the near future will bring, but
this motor show also takes a look at the
history of the automobile with an exhibit
that motor fans will not want to miss.
The organizer of the show, the Japan Motor
Industrial Federation, has set up a special
exhibit in the Theme Hall titled "Breakthroughs
in Automotive Technology - History-making
Cars from Japan." Display panels and
computer quiz corners follow the innovations
that came out of Japan, the efforts of
the first Japanese pioneers in this new
industry, and the rise of the automobile
revolution of the twenty-first century.
The highlight of the show is in the Center
Zone, where the "Otomo" is on display.
The "Otomo" was the first mass
production automobile manufactured in Japan,
a completely Japan-built car designed by
young engineers in the early years of the
twentieth century. The "Otomo" is
a testament to their vision and ambition,
and the starting point from which Japan's
renowned automotive technology began.
A total of 22 domestic cars and 12 motorcycles
are shown in the Theme Hall, each embodying
the spirit of its times. Among the highlights
are the Toyota 2000GT (1967) and the Nissan
Skyline GT-R (1973). The exhibit groups
the vehicles by their main orientation: "Engines," "Drivetrain," "Suspensions,
Brakes & Steerings," and "Bodies." Both
young and old car enthusiasts alike seem
pleased by the presentation.
In the "Technical Corner", a show
stage featuring Dr. Kuruma (Dr. Automobile)
provides a simple explanation of automobile
mechanisms and technologies for those who
may find them mystifying. This show tries
to answer many of the common questions that
occur to people in their day-to-day driving.
Theme Hall has this "Show Stage" for
the first time this year, where families
can uncover the history of the automobile
in an enjoyable game-like setting. |