Tokyo show: Going crazy with commercials

THE 38th Tokyo Motor Show, highlighting commercial vehicle development in Japan, runs for six days from Tuesday, November 2.

The show’s theme – Vehicles for people. Vehicles as partner – is meant to convey hope, freedom and environmental responsibility.

Here are some of the more interesting big-name displays.

TOYOTA

SIX concepts and 11 production models will be released by Toyota at the Chiba venue.

Under its environmentally focussed "Ecology and Emotion" banner, Toyota’s new generation Hi-Ace van, dubbed a "multifunctional mobile studio", will materialise, alongside several obligatory customised versions.

Toyota will also present the Welcab concept, a self-operated vehicle for the elderly and disabled.

The other interesting vehicle to be shown will be the IMTS, a futuristic CNG-powered unmanned mass-transit bus designed for next March’s World Exposition in Aichi, Japan.

NISSAN

UNDER the "Lifecare" tag, Nissan’s output will include the Tiida Enchante, a next generation Pulsar with features designed to appeal to people with reduced mobility.

The most obvious is a motorised and reclining front seat that swivels, slides out and then raises/lowers for easy accessibility.

Already in production, the Enchante can be applied to a limited number of other Nissans too, like the Micra. Also at the show will be a 350Z for people with leg disabilities.

On the bizarre front is Nissan’s Caravan Box In Box concept. Aimed at the apparel industry, it has a removable inner box that can double "… as a handy showroom on wheels".

HONDA

UNDER the theme "Lively Motoring for Each and Every One of Us", Japan’s Number Two will reveal the PV van, which “helps you work in style”, and the Hobick left), a curiously retro-style ute that’s said to be big on comfort and accessibility.

Also on show will be the Jazz/Fit Sports Concept, described as a barrier-free vehicle which allows anyone to experience the thrill of sporty driving, while Honda’s next generation satellite navigation system with lane guidance and interactive weather service technology will also get a guernsey on its stand.

MITSUBISHI

MITSUBISHI Motor Corp’s big news here is the Townbox Transporter, a user-friendly, barrier-free van with kneeling suspension. Entry and egress is via the rear hatchback, and comes with a ramp.

The Transporter will join a Grandis fitted with a swivel/slide-out and height-adjustable front passenger seat, as well as the Lancer Self-transporter featuring a driver’s barrier-free seat and automated loader, enabling wheelchair users to drive themselves.

MAZDA

MAZDA will preview its next generation Premacy mini-MPV, due early next year in Japan but not destined for Australia.

Meantime, environmental and economy concerns are at the heart of the Bongo (E-series) Van and Titan Dash Concepts. Both feature engine stop-start technology.

Also on the stand will be the Mazda2-based Verisa featuring a swivelling (by 85 degrees) and extending (by 340mm) passenger seat for reduced mobility passengers.

SUBARU

SUBARU’S stand will feature a host of Japanese-market models with hand-controls (Impreza and R2 mini car), rotating seats and wheelchair lifts (Liberty, Forester and Sambar forward-control van), and an advanced driving simulator.

SUZUKI

THE centrepiece of the Suzuki stage will be the Alto Heart Stand derived from the sub-1000cc 2004 Alto, a Japan-only city car.

The difference here is the raised height and side windows that can be opened and used as a mobile stand, according to Suzuki.