"Toward an Abundant Life in the 1980s -- Cars and Trucks Linking All Parts of the World"

"Vehicles to bring abundance for the 80s should be built" was the wish of the auto makers, who had met severe emissions controls. This gave birth to the slogan, "Abundance Towards the 80s --Vehicles Connecting the World--"

The 1970s saw a series of tough issues: traffic wars, environmental problems, pollution problems, and oil crisis. But those difficulties could also be seen as labour pains preceding the new age. In 1979, driver s license holders exceeded 40 million, and one of every 2.15 eligible people held a license. Women drivers were rapidly increasing in number. The confrontation of vehicle and man was developing into co-existence of vehicle and man.Vehicles in the world were evolving based on a new concept. That was the result of people s efforts to bring forth abundant 1980s. This year s theme was to respond to these changes.

A positive attitude was seen in the exhibition booths. Nissan exhibited its main model, the Bluebird 910, and its ambitious new model, the Cedric Turbo/Diesel. The latter drew attention as a forerunner of Japan s turbo days. Mitsubishi displayed the Galant Sigma Turbo Diesel, a prototype of the Lancer Rally Turbo, and Isuzu added 2 new models, the Gemini Twin Cam and Diesel. Toyota exhibited a turbo engine. Overall, the challenge of new technology was seen together with a consciousness of energy saving.

One notable feature was the appearance of multipurpose cars. Mitsubishi exhibited a leisure car SSW (which later became the Chariot), Toyota a family wagon with a revolving rear seat, and Nissan a multipurpose wagon based on the Cherry Van. They all aimed for versatility in tomorrow s passenger car. A highlight of the show was the fact that turbocharger equipped engines, which were becoming popular throughout the world, started in domestic cars. Another highlight was the spread of diesel engines.

Also noticeable were technological advances, a good indication of makers attitude. One was the adoption of electronics to cars. Nissan made an electronics corner to exhibit ECCS (Electronic Concentrated engine Control System), and Mazda also attracted attention with a new electronic system wherein traffic information was fed by signal from outside.

New source of energy to replace petroleum, and various power systems different from the present combustion engine were seen, although they were in the experimental stage.

For instance, Suzuki demonstrated an experimental car, Cervo, driven by liquid hydrogen. Nissan, while displaying a sterling engine, was suggesting the use of a methanol engine and a fuel battery. Daihatsu, concentrating on electric vehicles, displayed a new hybrid car with a combustion engine and an electric motor. Presentation of power systems for the future was also a main feature of this show.

If the leading actor of the motor show was the passenger car hall, a good supporting actor would be the commercial vehicle hall. This hall, where pretty models and decorative displays had been seen, exhibited some substantial modelsand was worth observing. Especially large trucks and buses, which had caused many accidents when turning left, were provided with a measure to prevent such accidents. A positive attitude toward service for the handicapped people was revealed in some makers development of cars for wheel chairs, although they were displayed only as show models.

The Motorcycle Hall was packed as ever with people, showing the unwaning popularity of motorcycles. Yamaha, emphasizing the 250cc class, launched several new models, while Suzuki publicized GS-X series (X denoted four valves). There were few other noticeable exhibits.

Car imports were continually increasing, having overcome the solid wall of Japanese anti-pollution and safety standards. This was reflected in the number of exhibits at the show. Exhibited foreign passenger cars counted 123 (excluding 37 for a special project) compared with 96 at the previous show.

Foreign parts exhibitions also greatly expanded. Five companies, two governments, and one organization occupied 80 booths. This was said to be caused by a surge to the Japanese market of European and American auto companies. They had suffered a severe slump after the second oil crisis, which started in the spring.