"The Culture of Motoring: The New Generation of Vehicles"

The year 1985 was the 100th anniversary of the production of the first practical vehicle equipped with a gasoline engine. "Driving Culture; New Vehicle Generation" was adopted as the most suitable theme for an international motor show in this significant year to learn from the history and look to the future.

In over 100 years of automobile history, vehicles born as transport machines have spawned vehicle culture and civilization closely linked with climate, culture, and people s lives in various places in the world.

In Europe, that culture produced automobiles used for leisurely drives or sports by aristocrats and wealthy farmers. This is true to this day. Drive trains, suspensions, tires and sporty features are especially developed in European cars.

On the other hand, the U.S. established a mass production system and a popular automobile culture. The famous Ford Model T excelled in terms of low price and overcoming bad roads. As a result, automobiles spread all over the nation, in both cities and rural areas, creating the original form of today s American life.

In contrast to Western countries, Japan has developed a social situation that may be described as a "medium automobile culture." Japanese automobiles, equipped even better than high-class cars of other countries although small and low-priced, are creating a third vehicle culture different from that of Europe or the U.S..

The spread of Japanese-type automobiles cannot be separated from the following characteristics of Japanese society: the feeling of the majority that they belong to the middle class, family orientation, nuclear families, shopping centers in the suburbs, a flourishing restaurant industry, and growing orientation toward leisure.

The U.S. had lagged behind in small car production but began to recover its original development and production capabilities. Europe was regaining its vigor by announcing a number of distinctive cars. Japan also continued to strive to create "mechatronics cars" for a new age, making full use of electronics.

The world saw a new century of automobiles through the efforts of automakers in various countries. The important thing was to look at cultural aspects of vehicles beyond mere transportation, and to develop richer "culture." For the motor show in the year 1985, with only 15 years left before the 21st century, "Driving Culture, New Vehicle Generation" was considered the most appropriate theme.

A press day was provided for the first time prior to the general opening, which made reporting easier and more active. The show attracted about 4,500 journalists (including 600 foreign correspondents). The events most popular among foreign journalists were 20 minute briefings on the exhibits at each stand by presidents or executives in charge of technology.

The competitive spirit that led domestic auto makers to make all-out efforts to expand domestic automotive demand in response to trade friction and appreciation of the yen also made their enthusiasm about the motor show so great that it flourished both in size and content. Exhibits numbered 1,032, an all time high, including 229 exhibits from 40 non-Japanese companies. The show featured international characteristics.

In line with the theme of the show, there were a large number of concept cars regarded as new generation cars. Eight of the nine domestic automobile manufacturers exhibited a total of 23 vehicles of this type.

To summarize the technological trends, this show featured a twin cam 4-valve engine and four-wheel drive/four-wheel steering system. In addition, it was a show for mid engines. These technologies were put to practical use very fast. The twin cam 4-valves which appeared in the previous show was exhibited by eight passenger car makers. The 4WDs also were sold by 8 automakers. Furthermore, full time 4WD system was adopted by Mazda, by Fuji Heavy Industries and then by Mitsubishi. Surprisingly, this system was also adopted by Toyota and Nissan. The 4WS that Mazda pioneered, which attracted much attention at the previous show, was also adopted by Toyota and Nissan at this show. Also in the truck section, Nissan Diesel displayed for reference a four wheel steering system which got attention. Midship-type engines were seen in the Nissan MID 4, the Daihatsu Charade De Tomaso 926R, the Isuzu COA-II, the Suzuki R/S1 and others. Technological advancement progressed so fast that twin turbos were considered outdated, giving way to a combination of superchargers and turbos, and intercoolers using coolant appeared.

Concept cars diverged into two new streams: the futuristic and the realistic. Many of the former sought to become cars for a new age - mechatronics cars. All were equipment with information systems. They were proposed as the ideal cars for the 1990s, combining high performance and comfort. On the other hand, realistic cars could go on sale as soon as the next day. Many of this type had midship engines, and were convertible to make driving more for fun. The following are examples: Suzuki R/SI, Isuzu COA-II, Daihatsu Mira Cabriolet, the LUC-2, Nissan s light sports car, the FOUR based on Toyota Celica GT, Isuzu Piazza Convertible, Mazda Familia Cabriolet, and theBe-1 that was popular as part of the nostalgia boom.

Exhibitors commented that both the futuristic and realistic cars could be mass produced and sold within five years at the latest, indicating that the exhibitions had grown to a high-standard show which presented realistic expectations as well as futuristic dreams.