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The future of "environment technology"
Mitsubishi |
Mitsubishi's theme is short and to the point: "Meet the New." That does not tell the whole story, however. This is the 70th anniversary of "Mitsubishi Fuso (Mitsubishi's commercial vehicle brand)," and in January of next year the company will spin off its bus and truck division into a new company, which will be under the control of Daimler Chrysler, with whom it has capital ties. President Rolf Eckrodt explains, "We're looking for synergy effects to spark global development."
The Mitsubishi booth is located in the Center Hall, and the exhibit ranges from light vehicles to large trucks and buses, with a total of 21 familiar, every-day commercial vehicles on display. Mitsubishi's top priority is "environment," and its booth includes several offerings: the "Canter HEV " compact, hybrid electric truck is low on pollution and high on fuel economy; the "Next-Generation Clean Diesel Engine" is on display for the first time ever. Another technology highlight is the "Super Great FU Ultra- Light Aluminum Frame Truck" that dramatically increases the transportation efficiency of large trucks. Mitsubishi also includes an illustrated exhibit on the history of its "Fuso" brand, complete with panels, videos on engine technology and narrations. Schoolchildren commented on how "easy to follow" it was.
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The "Canter HEV" is easy on the environment.
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New model premieres in Japan
Volvo Truck |
The Volvo Truck booth is located on the western side of the Center Hall. It features two new models of the Volvo FH/FM series of large trucks that have been longstanding best sellers around the world. The FH12 Tractor "Exclusive 500" and the "FM12 Rigid (low platform)" are both on display in Japan for the first time. Both comply with Europe's EURO3 emission regulations, generally considered to be the toughest in the world.
Volvo's sales point is simple: "Better fuel economy, more power." One can see crowds of Volvo fans avidly listening to the technology explanations in the booth. At the test ride corner, there is a large line to get on the Volvo "FH12 Tractor."
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New models offer "better fuel economy, more power."
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Sunflower booth with mini-car petals
Mitsuoka |
Mitsuoka has its booth right in front of the Toyota Group in the East Hall. This is Mitsuoka's second time at the Tokyo Motor Show, following a successful debut last year. Its booth is done in orange and arranged to look like a sunflower. The petals consist of unique concept cars that are a consistent attraction for dreamy-eyed young people. One example is the "ME-2" electric-motor micro car (four-wheel motorized vehicle) for pizza deliveries. Customers were asked to come up with a nickname for the car, and the winner, "CONVOY88" (read "Konboi Papa" in Japanese) was selected during the show. Mitsuoka also displays several delivery vehicle variations based on its 50- cc gasoline micro car series.
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Wowed by unique micro cars.
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World and Japan premieres abound
Parts booths |
Parts exhibitors occupy more than half of the space in the West Hall. Some 76 domestic and foreign parts companies have booths, including Denso and CalsonicKansei. Two government organizations, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the Embassy of Sweden, and one industry group, the Battery Association of Japan, also have exhibits. The scale of the parts exhibit is slightly below the 90 companies recorded at the last commercial vehicle show, but the technology on display is every bit its equal. This year boasts three world premieres, including the ultracompact, low-cost "radio tuner module" from Toyota Industries, and 12 Japan premieres, including Bridgestone's new safety system "AIRCEPT" that prevents a rapid loss of air when a tire punctures. The Delphi Corp. has three Japan premieres at its booth, including a "Power Sliding Door" that automatically opens and closes the passenger-side door. Parts booths are divided into six sections for "Engine Parts", "Electrical Parts", "Drive, Transmission, Steering, Suspension, Brake Parts" and the like. One highlight of the "Drive, Transmission, Steering, Suspension, Brake Parts" section is the "skeleton model" jointly produced by Aisin Seiki and Kuroyanagi Kogyo that gives visitors a glimpse into the inner workings of commercial vehicles.
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The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)
has the largest space in the parts area.
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Aisin Seiki's new skeleton model
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Bridgestone unveils its safety system "AIRCEPT" for the first time in Japan
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