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The
25th Tokyo Motor Show (1983
. 10/28 - 11/8)
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The 25th Tokyo Motor Show Poster |
"The Advanced Auto, Brightening Our Horizons"
The theme of this year s motor show was "Vehicles, Brighten
up, and Growing World." Japanese automobiles were entering
a new era. Japan overcame the severe trials of the 1970s,
and through those hardships became the world s largest
production and export country. Moreover, Japanese automobiles
came to be well received by the world s consumers for
their high quality and value.
Scrutiny of combustion theory, countless experiments,
and huge R & D investments resulted in clearing the world
s severest emission controls and at the same time led
to volume production of small car engines, the most efficient
engines in the world, through the use of many techniques
learned in the process. The results, no longer a clumsy
copy of foreign technology as critics had said before,
represented vast technological potential, since they were
created by original devices and efforts.
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Times favored the Japanese auto industry. The combination
of electronic/mechatronic innovations -- such as integrated
circuits, micro-processors, and one-tip computers -- and
automobile technologies brought further progress and performance
in Japanese automobiles. Wide use of electronics in such
basic components as engine controls, brakes, suspensions,
and transmissions, and in equipment such as air conditioners,
sensors and motors helped change the concept of what a
vehicle is.
Furthermore, remarkable results were seen in performance
through the use of new materials: engineering plastics
and new ceramics, and the quest for maintenance-free parts.
Japanese automobiles were breaking a new path by developing
various models to meet users needs based on new technological
advancements. Manufacturers believed these lively, wonderful
vehicles should be delivered to the world for the people
to enjoy. The theme of the 25th motor show developed from
this wish. The year 1983 saw lingering worldwide recession
and consequently sluggish domestic car demand. However,
the rapid technological advancements shown at the motor
show were amazing. Exhibition of prototype cars was abundant
in number and variety. Most were not so much dream cars
as practical cars that could actually run. New technologies
incorporated in these cars created images of tomorrow
s vehicle. Their characteristics suggested new vehicle
technology for the near-future.
Especially conspicuous was the emphasis placed by Toyota,
Nissan, and Mazda on the display of high-tech prototypes
to show vehicle technology of the near-future. For example,
Toyota displayed the FX-1 show car, loaded with the latest
technologies. Its twin-cam 24 engine was equipped with
water-cooled intercooler, twin turbo, variable valve timing,
variable intake system, and variable exhaust system. The
body with a wind resistance value of 0.25, had a crystal
canopy and all pillars were covered with glass. Moreover,
this car was equipped with electronically controlled suspension
which altered body height according to cruising conditions.
Another exhibit was the midship sports SV-3 that had attracted
much attention from car enthusiasts. This car, displayed
for reference, later went on sale as the MR 2.
While Toyota showed feasible technologies, Nissan proposed
how vehicles should be from the 1980s into the 21st century
in the form of NX-21. This car had "gull wing" doors,
and had a wind resistance value of 0.25. Despite its low
body, the car was roomy space enough for four passengers
to ride comfortably. The secret lay in mounting a compact,
ceramic gas turbine in the rear. Also, electronic technology
was fully exploited, and the design was so rational that
no switches were found.
Mazda displayed the MX-2 targeting the 1990s. This was
an avant-garde prototype car using every imaginable technology.
A four-wheel steering system allowed same and reverse-phase
steering on front and rear wheels. Using reverse-phase
reduced the turning radius, while same phase allowed transverse
motion. Later, a similar system was put to practical use
by Mazda and a number of other companies.
The ceramics engine which Isuzu exhibited for reference
was superior in terms of heat-resistance, friction-resistance,
and rust-resistance compared to an iron engine. This engine
attracted attention as an engine for the next age. Noticeable
among new models was the Santana, which Nissan produced
in Japan in cooperation with VW of Germany, the Subaru
J10, the Mazda Familia Cabriolet, and the Mitsubishi Lancer
EX1800GSR Intercooler Turbo. A popular topic among young
people was the new turbo version Honda City, which had
been much talked about because of its increased height,
which contradicted the general trend among Japanese automakers
toward lower bodies. The turbo boom spread to the mass-market
sector. The Daihatsu Charade Turbo and the Suzuki Cervo
turbo had already made their debuts.
Bon van, Alto, Rex Combi, and Mira, midget cars that had
attracted women at the previous show because of their
low prices as "patience cars," were equipped with four-wheel
drive. The Rex Combi was also equipped with a turbo. Thus,
these cars were improved and their fans included more
young men.
This motor show was also significant in that Hino, Nissan,
and Mitsubishi exhibited super deluxe double-decker buses
for reference.
The foreign vehicle hall accommodated 1.5 times as many
exhibits as at the previous show with participation from
28 companies. The hall thrived in terms of the quantity
and quality of exhibits. Total exhibits including those
by domestic makers numbered 945, more than the previous
show. Visitors numbered 1,200,400 including 26,625 foreigners.
Press journalists counted 288.
In commemoration
of the show s 25th anniversary, the Theme Hall featured"Vehicles:
Past, Present, and Future." Interesting was a plain exhibition
and explanation of how the present high technology developed
the technological possibilities, and how electronics and new
materials such as ceramics and plastics would be utilized in
future technology.
Vehicles, new materials, and new technologies were arrayed along
the walls of Passenger Vehicle Hall No.2. In the center, actual
cars, cut models, and mock-ups showed the progression of vehicle
technology. They were lined up from five viewpoints: (1)comfort,
(2)reliability, (3)safety, (4)efficiency, and (5) performance.
The exhibitions were successful in drawing visitor interest.
Thirty years after the first motor show, it was considered meaningful
to review and analyze the auto industry from various standpoints:
economy, industry, culture, technology, and future technology.
As a special project based on that idea, a commemorative symposium
entitled "Japanese and Vehicles" was held at the Keidanren Hall
at Otemachi on October 18 just before the motor show.
Speakers were: Eizaburo Nishibori (Councilor, Japan Productivity
Center) on productivity and quality control, Shinichiro Kurimoto
(Professor, Meiji University) on culture and economics, and
Noboru Makino (Vice President, Mitsubishi Research Institute,Inc.)
on futurology and technology.
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