TOKYO AUTO SHOW 2008

 

The Tokyo auto show was intriguing in that it was very capable of handling all avenues of the industry. With such a diversified audience attending a show such as this it is very important to have something that meets the needs and wants of everyone who attends. This particular show handled that concept quite nicely.

 

For those that were interested in the hybrid type of cars, there was plenty to be learned about these. Then there are those individuals who enjoyed what was offered regarding the alternative fuel system as well as traffic congestion solutions. These items dealt with the practical side of what people were interested in.

 

For those that just can’t give up their love of those big super cars, there were plenty of these on hand as well. It was an exciting moment to see the GT-R redesigned. This is the first time in five years and will be going on sale in Japan in December. Those in the states and Europe are going to have to wait a while though. No doubt though it is going to be well worth the wait.

 

Some of those attending the show had expected to see the Toyota version of its 500 horsepower Lexus LF-A super car concept, but that didn’t take place. There was plenty of other exciting venues though to quickly dispel any disappointment that they may have caused.

 

Almost every major Japanese manufacturer wanted to be counted amongst those who were doing their share towards the environment when it came to the “green” line. It shows the responsibility that the car manufacturers are accepting in regards to this important issue.

 

In general the over consensus of the auto industry is that the mini cars are beginning to take the spotlight when in the past they were somewhat shunned . However there is some speculation that even the sales in these cars are beginning to slow.

 

Although sales may be dropping somewhat, the interest in them certainly is not. That is evident by the enthusiasm that was present at the show. Many individuals are now taking more time to plan the type of automobile purchases they are contemplating in the future. It is much easier to make some constructive decisions at a show such as this, rather than on the car lot. That type of scenario doesn’t usually afford the luxury of having all the information available that one is likely to find at the auto shows. The manufacturers go to great lengths to be able to answer any of the questions that may be put to them at these venues. It is a very valuable marketing tool for them. Its certainly a good situation for both the potential buyer and the seller. The Tokyo 2008 auto show was certainly impressive in its design and layout and what it offered the general audience. it’s the efforts of the parties involved that may it an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon as a family outing.

 

CANADIAN AUTO SHOW 2008

 

The auto show held in Toronto, always generates a great deal of interest. Its an extremely busy city that has its share of traffic jams and parking problems. The residents here are always looking for something in the automobile industry that will make their travel a much more pleasant experience.

 

Another trend of the residents of the city is now to move to the outskirts of the hub of activity and don’t seem to mind a little extra commuting. Of course one area of concern is the rising costs of fuel. For this reason alone many attended the Toronto auto show to see what the future has in store for them in regards to their travel by way of the automobile.

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Like most other places in the world Toronto has its concerns about the environment in its entirety. The spectators took great interest in the presentation of the Subaru automaker’s plant in Indiana has reached the zero landfill status and is the first to do so. Every bit of waste at this plant is reused and recycled. Most often people don’t realize what actually happens to the residue from manufacturing, particularity in the auto industry. So for many this was a real eye opener and food for thought.

 

Another conservative approach was that by BMW where they addressed the energy that is required to build automobiles. This company has reduced their consumption for each vehicle by 26%. That is a very significant and impressive amount.

 

Many were intrigued with the PHEV Pirus. Plug in hybrid electric vehicle. It was interesting for the audience to learn that it was a very simple concept of basically equipping the hybrid with a larger battery that could be charged in off hours.

 

Then another interesting concept was the Honda Accord Diesel. Presently it cannot be purchased in Canada. When it does become available though, based on the interest here it will probably be quite successful. In the near future there will be quite a selection of diesel fuel cars to choose from. They will range from small cars right up on past the luxury SUV’s.

 

The whole concept of the Hybrids was certainly found to be intriguing at the auto show Canada 2008. Individuals are very keen to learn more about the new technology behind these vehicles.

 

Low emissions is a major concern with most consumers now and Subaru is actively involved in facing this issue and researching actively any possible solutions.

 

Its very important that auto shows such as the Canadian auto show exists. it’s a great way to educate people on what they can do to help the environment when it comes to automobile travel. By educating them it puts them in a better position to decide what type of vehicle is going to be the most efficient for both them and the environment that will still suit their particular needs. The more people become aware of what’s available to them, the easier it is to make the purchase of a vehicle when it comes time. 

 

AUTO SHOW LONDON ENGLAND 2008

 

So what was so special about this years auto show in London England? If you ask those who attended they are sure to give you the answer, “plenty”!

 

Everyone that attended did so with the anticipation of the “Project Eagle” being revealed. Lotus did not disappoint them by any stretch of the imagination. This gem of a car is officially called the “Evora”. It has a special meaning as it has been named after a beautiful city in Portugal.

 

The Evora is as 2+2 engine midengine coup. It can reach a top speed of 160 mph with a 0-60 mph acceleration in less that 5.0 seconds. For those who like speed they will tell you that this is impressive. Although being a coupe one automatically thinks that things would be a little tight in the interior. The Company boasts however that it will seat two good sized American males in the front seat without a problem.

 

A most interest display at the British show was the viewing of the Euro NCAP crash test. If you ever wanted to see the worse case scenario of a mangled vehicle then this was the one to see. It actually won the highest ever score for any car that was ever tested.

 

Then if you really wanted to pass along a few comments about the show that was easy done. It was carried out in the diary room which happened to be in the back of a black cab. Most fitting for a auto show don’t you think?

 

Any of the up and coming drivers of the future that attended the show naturally headed over the Ferrari display. The latest Ferrari to hit the market is the 430 Scuderia which is a high performance mid engined V8 car. Needless to say the look on the faces of those who had the opportunity to see this exquisite car, said it all.

 

If the truth be known it would be hard to say whether those at this event showed the most appreciation for the many outstanding automobiles, or those ravishing beauties that hosted them.

 

There were great expectations placed on what the British automobile show would have to offer, but few were prepared for the spectacular presentation of OSM concept. Meaning the open study model.

 

The Japanese fittingly chose the British show as its platform to introduce the S2000 roadster which has the best interests of fuel economy being of the utmost importance.  A perfectly stunning hybrid.

 

There is no doubt to anyone that participated or attended the British automobile show that it was anything but a huge success. There was much to see and there certainly was no room for boredom. Its most likely that those who attended this year will be looking to a repeat event next year.

 

It’s a pleasant change from the every day hustle and bustle routine to be able to attend a venue as pleasant as this particular show was. The exhibitions were well planned and laid out and the organizers did a super job to make the event as exciting as it turned out to be.

 

 

 

AUTO SHOW PARIS 2008

 

Most people go to Paris to see the sights, but if you ever have the priviledge of being there when the automobile show is on you will also find it to be a most impressive sight as well.

 

This year in 2008 was not a disappointment to anyone. Those who attended got all that they paid for and much more.

 

Most everyone likes to know what the future holds, and seeing the 2009 cars is a treat indeed. One that has to be mentioned of course is the 2009 Ferrari California. Once you laid your eyes on this beauty it put you into the instant mode of dreaming of winning the lottery, and the purchase of this car would be the top of the list of things to buy. Prices were speculative but one can only imagine what the price tag will be on this baby.

 

Stepping back into reality one has to admit from a practical and economic point of view the 2009 Smart For Two EV, really has it all. It certainly seems to be most favored from the ladies point of view. Perhaps because it is so compact, that parking it would be a breeze, and most likely with a car this size parking spots would be far more common.

 

This very attractive looking vehicle made its debut at the Paris auto show, but had been revealed prior to that. It uses a lithium ion battery so its not hard to tell why its so economical, particularly with the cost of fuel in today’s economy. The time hasn’t quite arrived for the technology that this car has to offer, but it does give one a taste of what’s to come in the future of the automobile industry.

 

Its interesting to note that there are many automobile shows that take place right around the world. Each one of them is unique in what they have to show and how they present the industry. No matter where the show is being held, the automobile shows never seem to fail to hold the interest of those who attend and to create a atmosphere of excitement. There is something intriguing about roaming amongst those magnificent automobile creations all decked out in their gleaming colors. The Paris automobile show organizers can certainly be proud of the venue that they offered their exhibitors  and audience.

 

Young people seem to be gaining more interest in attending the automobile shows. Most likely because its something that will partake in their future, once they become of driving age.

 

For the practical and the budget conscious drivers there was keen interest in the new Volkswagen GRI. This is technically still being classed as a concept and is not officially in production, but based on the attention it received there is little doubt that it won’t be in the near future.

 

At a special event prior to the start of the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen brought out the newest version of its classic hot hatchback, the GTI. While still being called a concept by VW, the new GTI looks ready for production. 

 

 

By King of Pen

King of Pen is a Management Adviser at the University of Northampton and a freelance writer.

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