Parts are key to the evolution of automotive technology. Like the last (35th) show, this year sees a strong focus on environment, safety and comfort in the exhibits, as companies compete in their respective fields through the advancement of their technologies.
4 Governments, 200 Companies
This year's show features parts exhibits from 4 governments and 200 domestic and foreign companies. The content is every bit as high as the numbers; 49 parts are making their world premieres at the show, and 26 are making their Japan premieres. The parts section has developed into a lively "trade fair" with the exhibitors competing on advanced technology.
Most of the parts exhibits are in the West and North halls. Car audio and accessory exhibits are scattered among the other halls as well.
Booths in the West Hall include Bridgestone, Yokohama Rubber, Sumitomo Rubber and the other tire manufacturers. Also here are the four governments: United States, Canada, Germany and Sweden. Other parts companies in the West Hall include: Topy, a wheel manufacturer; Araco, who utilizes the new natural material "Kenaf" in its auto parts and is garnering the attention of visitors; and Namba Press Works, which manufactures seats and metal molds.
Next Generation of In-Wheel Motors
Bridgestone displays the "Ferrari F2003-GA" that won the 2003 F-1 Championships using the company's tires. It also includes a variety of racing and road tires in its exhibit. Among new technologies, Bridgestone gives visitors a glimpse of its "in-wheel motor drive system." The system incorporates the motor drive into the wheel and represents a breakthrough for fuel cells and other promising but challenging technologies. At the press briefing, President Shigeo Watanabe announced that the company would "continue to exhibit actively at overseas motor shows," indicating his intention to strengthen the Bridgestone brand image.
There is a lot to see in the West Hall government exhibits too. Canada and Germany have strong presentations. Canada boasts a large parts industry that supplies North American auto manufacturers, and Quebec and other provinces are looking to expand their sales channels in Japan. The German government (VDA) has a reputation for unique booth designs at the Tokyo Motor Show and it does not disappoint this year. The exhibit includes ZF and many other powerhouses in its enormous parts industry. USA and Sweden concentrate on technology, looking for business opportunities in the gigantic Japanese and Asian markets.
Environment-Oriented Development
Meanwhile, over in the North Hall, another group of parts companies shows off their cutting edge technologies. Included here are Akebono Brake, NGK Spark Plug and a joint exhibit by the Japan Autoparts Industries Association (JAPIA). The Aisin group also has a large booth on the central aisle of the North Hall with displays from six of its members: Aisin Seiki, Aisin Takaoka, Aisin Chemical, Aisin AW, Aisin AI and Advics. As before, it uses a wire frame car to show visitors exactly which parts it manufactures. The many advanced technologies in the Aisin exhibit include the six speed automatic transmission, automated manual transmission (automatic clutch) and intelligent parking assistance system. Akihiro Wada, the Chairman of Aisin Seiki, says, "We will be placing more emphasis on environment technology in the future," indicating new directions for the group's development team.
Trying Out the "Parking Assist System"
The focus on environment, safety and comfort can be seen in booths such as Denso and Toyota Industries, both of which are located near the motorcycles exhibit, and also in the displays of Bosch, the Hitachi group and many others. Denso is known for its diesel common rail systems, which it displays along with a new diesel after-treatment system that meets the diesel emission regulations issued by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It shows a number of safety innovations as well. Koichi Fukaya, who took over as president in June, states clearly that "there can be no compromises when it comes to safety." Toyota Industries uses miniature cars to demonstrate its "Hi PAS" parking assist system.
Bosch focuses its exhibit on the "Electronic Stability Program" (ESP) that is becoming common in Europe. It also displays a new injection system and several other technologies. The Hitachi group includes many autoparts companies, such as Tokico and Hitachi Metals. The display features systems for hybrid vehicles, an in-vehicle information device that improves convenience with advanced telematics, magnets that improve the performance of electric motors, other new materials, and aluminum suspension parts that reduce vehicle weights.
Component technology companies are every bit as concerned with environmental performance as assembly makers. Mahle displays its high-performance pistons, Art Metal Manufacturing its pistons, LuK its new CVT belts, and INA its needle bearings.
Technology Exhibits Boost Product Appeal
Also prominent this year are technology exhibits designed to boost the product appeal of automobiles. New metering technologies can be seen from two of the main players in this field, CalsonicKansei and Siemens VDO Automotive.
CalsonicKansei addresses the problem of the "ubiquitous society" in which people are constantly bombarded with information. Its meters select which information to display to drivers according to the circumstances, and even allow drivers to change the display distance according to how important the information is.
Many of the parts booths in the other halls craft attractive presentations and events to appeal to the general public in addition to the automotive industry. People interested in automobile technology agree that they "are really interesting." |
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| The West Hall contains Bridgestone and other tire companies as well as foreign government booths. |
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| Araco's futuristic seats |
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| The central aisle of the North Hall. |
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| The North Hall contains engine parts, electrical parts, body and interior parts, and drive, transmission, steering, suspension, brake parts. |
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| The Aisin group's familiar wire frame car. |
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| Using miniature cars to experience the "Hi PAS" parking assist system (Toyota Industries). |
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