Organisers of the Tokyo motor show have confirmed that this year’s event will not go ahead. Japan is currently grappling with a major coronavirus outbreak, with the country’s government expected to announce a third state of emergency in the capital imminently.
For the past 67 years, the Tokyo motor show has been held biennially and, much like the Frankfurt motor Show’s relationship with the German automotive industry, it’s a hugely essential event for the Japanese domestic car market. The event is typically packed with concepts from home brands such as Toyota, Mazda and Honda.
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Akio Toyoda, Chairman of the Japan Automobile producers association (which is the body that organises the event), said: “The Tokyo motor show is being canceled, not delayed. It’s challenging to hold the event in a way in which numerous people will be able to experience the appeal of mobility in a safe and protected environment.”
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Toyoda also expressed his desire to avoid the show from moving online, saying: “The Tokyo car show showcases motorbikes, minicars, large vehicles, passenger cars, as well as mobility cars of other industries.
“As such, we would like to prioritize having visitors experience these cars in the real world, and we would rather hold the event in the real world, not virtually.”
