Tokyo motor shows: past, present and future

By Tim Pollard Motor Shows 20 August 2009 09:30 As bets in this topsy-turvy, unpredictable industry go, it’s a banker: of all the motor shows on the global calendar, the Tokyo exhibit is always the barmiest. Although the Chinese shows are rising in importance – and amusement value –  there’s something peculiarly bonkers about the biannual Japanese bash held in downtown Tokyo. So strange is the exhibition at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba City to westerners, that you don’t bat an eyelid at talking cars, vehicles with feelings, or cars designed for dogs.

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV (w/ Gallery)

Mitsubishi Motors has revealed that it will be showing a total of 16 cars at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, one of which being this PX-MiEV plug-in crossover concept. According to the Japanese automaker, solid, safety and simple were the keywords which drove the development of its exterior design, and Mitsubishi is keen to imbue this next-generation crossover with a simple appearance. All extraneous elements have been pared, so the design is free of 'rugged' elements typical in conventional SUVs.

Hyundai to expand U.S. engine production

Hyundai Motor Co. will spend $173 million to expand its engine plant in Alabama to build more four-cylinder engines. The expansion work is set to be complete this fall and production is set to begin in March 2012.