The Tokyo Motor Show has become one of the major staples of the auto show circuit, but the bi-annual event looks to be in jeopardy this year as more than 20 automakers have already decided to skip the October show, with more cancellations possible.
According to the Associated Press, 22 automakers have already pulled out of this year’s auto show. Japan’s Big Three are still on board – Toyota , Honda and Nissan – but heavyweights such as BMW , General Motors, Ford , Volkswagen , Porsche , Maserati , Mercedes-Benz and Lamborghini have all decided to skip the event.
In fact, the 22 cancellations have left just four import car makers at the show, including Hyundai , Ferrari and Lotus . All automaker’s skipping the Tokyo show have cited a lack of funding for the decision.
Officials have considered canceling the show altogether, but it looks as though the 2009 Tokyo show will go on as planned. Toyota , Honda and Nissan will likely have enough on hand to keep the show relatively interesting, but early estimates suggest there will be 50 percent fewer cars on hand at this year’s show than the last show in 2007.
