Japan auto industry striving for recovery

2011 has been a difficult year for Japan's automobile industry. The devastating March 11th earth quake, the unexpected flooding in Thailand and the highly uncompetitive Yen, are all threatening Japan's car makers. The Japanese automobile companies not only want to show off the cutting edge car technology but also the resilience against the disasters to the world in this year's Tokyo Motor Show, Toshiyuki Shiga, chairman of Japan Automobile Manufacture Association, told Xinhua in the pre-show of the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show. The Tokyo Motor Show is the most important biennial show for Japanese automobile makers. The event draws about 179 exhibitors from Japan and abroad, over 50 new vehicles will showcase their world premieres to the public at Tokyo Big Sight form Dec. 3 to Dec. 11 Japan Automobile Manufacture Association, the host of the show, hopes the event will attract over 800,000 visitors surpass the last 610,000 of the previous edition which was affected by the global finical crises. Toshiyuki Shiga said that they adopted the advice to bring the show back to Tokyo from Makuhari Messe International Convention Complex in Chiba to have more foreign exhibitors. "We glade that many foreign manufacturers skip the 2009 show are back to Japan. 20 companies with 24 brands participate in this year's show, more than doubled last time." The theme this year is "Mobility can change the world" means car will be friendlier to the environment and more enjoyable to drive, Toshiyuki Shiga told Xinhua, "Japanese cars are very popular thought out the world for high quality, but more strong rivals involved in the fierce competition, to keep the advantage in the market, Japan's car makers need to continue to innovation and develop." The electric vehicles with cutting edge technology and high performance engines are under the spotlight in the 42nd show. The No.1 Japan car maker Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled their newest next generation concept vehicle "Toyota Fun Vii". The most eye catching vehicle was covered by display panels, which allowing the driver check the car's condition before getting into it and even change the look of the car at will. The second largest automaker Nissan showcased the three-seat electric car "Pivo 3" concept, which can be connected to a smart phone or PC showing the car's condition remotely. The car even can receive the order form the owner via a smart phone and go to the certain designation to pick the owner up. Many Japanese automakers are still forced to suspend and reduce output due to the disasters. "Despite the damage, we would work together to face the challenges. Believe the power of unity." Toshiyuki Shiga said.