"It is unprecedented to see such a large number of carmakers not coming to the motor show. It's disappointing," Kazusa Yoshino, a spokeswoman for the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (the sponsor of the biennial auto event) was quoted as saying by Detroit News.
To make it easier to understand, this means that the Tokyo Show will host only three brands which are not based in Japan: Hyundai, Ferrari and Lotus. A fourth unnamed brand is expected to confirm it will attend. Japanese brands are likely to show up.
It is not yet clear if the poor financial results posted by the Japanese car makers for fiscal year 2008 will make them less excited about the show. Still being a home-land event, it is unlikely they will skip the show.
As you know by now, it is not the only auto show on this year's calendar to get hit by recession. The Barcelona Auto Show and the British Motor Show also experienced difficulties. Whereas the Barcelona Auto Show took place, not the same can be said for the one in UK, which has been cancelled even if it is scheduled to take place next year.
The only thing left for us to do is hope. The show is still some months away and some of those who declined the invitations may come back on their decision.
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