Over the past few weeks, a number of automakers have released images and details about upcoming concepts to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. While it makes sense that most were from Japanese automakers, the German automakers have been unusually quiet about what they will bring to the show. But a new report sheds a little light on what we can expect to see at this year’s show.
According to Automotive News, BMW will debut a concept based on the 1-series platform. Although BMW officials failed to mention any details about the concept, they denied that it would be the X1 small SUV.
The Volkswagen group will also show at least two concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show. On its VW stage, the automaker will show a five-door minivan version of its Up! concept, based on the three-door shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
A document made available to Automotive News Europe also revealed VW’s plans for the Up! when it finally makes production in 2010. Production will likely begin in September of 2010 at VW’s Skoda plant in the Czech Republic. The car will be sold under the VW, Skoda and Seat brands with an annual sales target of 100,000 for each. VW is also planning to sell an additional 262,000 units in the Russian and Indian markets, although that target is said to be on the conservative side. Worldwide, VW hopes to sell 4.16 million units during the car’s nine year life cycle.
The first Up! to make it to market will be the three door model originally shown in Frankfurt with a price of €8,950. The five door model — to be shown later this month in Tokyo — will follow shortly after with a price of €9,450. Look for VW to offer several other body styles, including an SUV.
The Audi brand will also show a concept of its upcoming A1. Intended to compete with BMW ’s Mini, the concept should give us an idea of the overall design theme and proportions of the car due for production in 2009.
