Issued: 31.Oct.1997

Exhibitors -Toyota- The increase in temperatures was met with an increase in the number of families today as people thronged to the Motor Show. Many people enjoyed the creative exhibitions, for example, the two floor exhibitions and the dance performances, as stated by one visitor, "it's fun because there are other things to see besides cars." The entire show was filled with a relaxed atmosphere and people moved around easily, in spite of the nearly 100,000 visitors. Action for Tomorrow Vehicles connecting the world of today and the future Toyota A new era in automobile technology has already started. Under a theme of "Action for Tomorrow", Toyota demonstrates innovative car-making to be harmonious with people, society and the global environment. As a forerunner of this movement, the Toyota booth introduces 44 vehicles from among 29 models that are currently on the market and 16 reference vehicles. The booth feels like a vehicle catalog that connects the world of today and the future. The exhibit getting the most attention is the PRIUS, a hybrid vehicle. Just before the opening of the Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota announced they would launch this vehicle into the market. Also, three new reference vehicles showcasing Toyota's new basic compact car series, which have European-like designs, are also popular. Especially, many visitors are taking photos of the FUNTIME, production model for the masses. Also scheduled for introduction to market is the HARRIER, an RV wagon with a sporty exterior and comfort equal to a sedan. The NC 250 packs the luxury and quality of the Celsior into a compact body and will go to production in the near future as a next generation front-engine rear-wheel-drive sedan. Finally, reminiscent of the Toyota Sports 800, the inexpensive MR-S light sports car (3.850m total length, 1.8-liter displacement) may go to production depending on its popularity. Toyota is looking ahead to the 21st century with innovative new approaches for vehicles to stress the issue of global environmental conservation. The e-com is a two-seat mini electric vehicle (EV) commuter, which can recharge its battery with electricity from any normal household outlet. The FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) runs on methanol, a future alternative energy source. Toyota is considered an R&D leader in this field. On the second floor, ITS (Intelligent Transport System) and safety devices are introduced. The demonstration of a crash test vehicle built with the GOA concept, one of the best passive collision concepts in the world, should not be missed. Exhibitors -Opel,General Motors,Saturn- outhful concepts and realistic displays Opel The new ASTRA, displaying as a reference exhibit, has a youthful and sporty impression. Making its world debut, the CITY TREKKER reference vehicle is a wagon with the character of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). The most interesting feature of the Opel booth is the replica of a design studio, which looks like a section of an actual design studio moved from Germany. Even people with little interest in car designing will enjoy seeing the design process, from design sketch to layout and painting. Beautiful and sporty American automobiles General Motors GM sells two major brands of its group, Cadillac and Chevrolet, in Japan. The all-new Cadillac Seville now has a right-handled model in its line-up. Because the rounded body style does not leave an impression of large size, it should be a strong competitor with Japanese luxury cars. Do not miss a demonstration of the Premium 4.0 Sound System, developed jointly by Cadillac and Bose. Its graceful acoustics compare with the full digital car audio systems in Japan. In the Chevrolet booth, a convertible model has joined to the new Corvette series. This fifth generation Corvette is also popular in Japan due to its American style and European sports performance. Saturn Saturn , famous for its slogan "The company and the car with the deepest commitment to people", is displaying a sedan, coupe and wagon. With this unique approach, the Saturn booth is trying to expresses a bright atmosphere similar to that of its distributors. Today 31 Oct. Navigator A spirit of challenge for motor sports A long line at the Nissan Virtual Simulator Visitors can directly experience Nissan's spirit of challenge in the "24 Heures Du Mans 3 Dimension Experience Simulator". Everyday the staff have their hands full as long lines form just after the gates open. At the simulator, you can watch a realistic movie of the R390GT1 driven by Eric Vandepoele at Le Mans this June, taken by two on-board cameras, by wearing the "3D Glasstron", a 3-D headset. Watching the image gives the true impression of actually racing at 330km/h as three-axis hydraulic arms produces rolling and pitching like an actual car. This simulator was developed for the Motor Show under the supervision of Kazuyoshi Hoshino, a veteran racing driver, with a care for detail such as developing lightweight cameras mounted on the racing car. Interview Mr.Ignacio Alvarez(photo) A TV newscaster for "12 Channel" in Uruguay. "I came here with my producer and cameraman to collect information, because there are various models from around the world being exhibited. I have never been to the Motor Show or Tokyo. This is a really wonderful exhibition. Japan is far from Uruguay, so I will introduce this motor show as part of an introduction to Japan, which also includes Japanese local issues in a program called 'Los Viajes del Doce'". welcome to the Tokyo Motor Show H.E. Josep Pique(photo) Minister of Industry and Energy of Spain H.E. Santiago Salas Ambassador of Spain Visitors 95,900 attendees

JAPAN MOTOR INDUSTRIAL FEDERATION, INC.