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Secret weapon: "Next generation low pollution engine"
ISUZU |
Isuzu just announced a new rebuilding plan, and its theme this year is "Performance of Reliability" At the press briefing in the booth, President Yoshinori Ida expressed the company's resolve to stay the course: "This show is the starting line for our specialization in commercial vehicles," he said. Isuzu has 12 vehicles on display, including 6 reference exhibits that modify marketed models from three perspectives: "environmental performance," "economic advantages," and "global quality standards." Near the main entrance is the Environment Corner, dressed up to look like a bamboo grove. This is where you will find the "ELF HYBRID" and the "ELF-KR Dry Van," the first vehicle to meet Japan's new short-term emissions regulations. Diesel engines are one of Isuzu's strong suits, and this year it has attracted attention for its next generation low pollution engine that uses alternative fuel DME (dimethyl ether). Its advanced NOx catalyst applications are another highlight.
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Isuzu shows off its advanced environmental technologies.
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"Small Cars, Big Future"
SUZUKI |
Suzuki has 18 vehicles on display. Befitting a company that has made a name for itself in the "minimum size" sector, Suzuki's theme this year is "Small Cars, Big Future." The hot spot is the stage in the center of the booth where Suzuki has a lineup of uniquely designed concept cars. Among them, the "Twin" is grabbing attention as a one-seater commercial vehicle. The company has further developed the "Pu-3 Commuter," the "four-wheel-drive that feels like a scooter" that is the first unveiled at the 33rd Tokyo Motor Show. This year it has two versions on hand: the "Rescue Support Car" designed to move smoothly through disaster areas, and the "Mobile Office Car" for the businessman on the go. Suzuki's booth specializes in new ideas for "working small vehicles" with unique functions.
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All eyes are on the "Twin" one-seater commercial vehicle.
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The shape of commercial vehicles to come
SUBARU |
The Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries) booth is located in the West Hall. Looking at the main stage in front of the central aisle, your eyes will immediately be drawn to the neon billboard that displays a constant stream of "Customer Feedback" titles, things like: "I can carry tall trees on the rack (Gardener)." Subaru's theme is "Expanding our capabilities for a better future." It displays new "forms" of commercial vehicles that try to meet the needs of real users. The booth is divided into five zones: "Logistics," "Disaster," "Handicapped," "Environment," and "Car Life." A total of 17 vehicles are on display, focusing on the "Sambar" series of light vehicles. Reference exhibits range from the "Sport Truck" to a CNG van, a refrigerated truck, a disaster relief vehicle for both fire-fighting and water purification, and even a garbage collection truck able to segregate out organic matter.
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"Sport truck" brings more fun to trucks.
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New ideas for everything from large
trailers to vehicles for the handicapped |
The Japan Auto-Body Industries Association (JABIA) sponsors the "Joint Exhibit of Commercial Vehicle Bodies" that occupies about half the space in the Center Hall. The booth is designed to feel like Main Street in the evening, complete with street lights. Some 15 member companies have come together for the exhibit, including Nippon Fruehauf and Tokyu Car.
A total of 25 commercial vehicle bodies are included in the exhibit, ranging from large and small trailers to refrigerated vans (box-style trunk rooms), vehicles for the handicapped, and other custom-equipped vehicles. Ten of the 25 vehicles are designed for wheelchairs and other handicapped needs. Toyota Auto Body, Nissan Shatai and many others have a wealth of original technologies and ideas on display.
One focus that stands out in the new models is an emphasis on substantially better work efficiency, convenience and economy. An example is the "Door Lift Car" of Kitamura Mfg., which attaches a motorized lift to the rear door of a van body. Selfemployed business people were avidly watching the demonstrations and picking up catalogs.
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