Two of Detroit’s ‘big three’ are definite no-shows for this year’s Tokyo motor show and a third is reported also to be staying home.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


GM Asia Pacific chief Rick Brown told an industry paper the US$2m spent in 2007 would be better spent elsewhere this year.


“If you really look at the business conditions that we are in right now, where we really have to make a bang out of every buck we spend, it’s simply a business decision,” he said.


Chrysler is also out.


“Chrysler decided, under the current challenges and market situation the company faces, to pull out of TMS in 2009 in order to secure limited resources invested efficiently on activities necessary to sustain our business,” its Japan unit said in a statement.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Kyodo News had reported earlier that GM and Chrysler didn’t register for October’s event by the end-December deadline.


Spokeswoman Kazusa Yoshino said: “The deadline isn’t strict and we will still accept registrations.”


Other local media reports said Ford also would not attend and that the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) was mulling cancelling the bi-annual event.


Details of the show including exhibitors would be announced in March or April.


Nissan Motor, Suzuki, Land Rover and Porsche were among automakers not attending the current Detroit motor show. In some cases, local dealers have stepped in to ensure their brands were displayed to potential local buyers nonetheless.


Toyota went to Detroit to showcase new hybrid models, including the third generation Prius, while Honda brought along its new Insight and fuel cell technology.