The 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 is Restyled After a Decade

(2007-12-29)
The 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Inc. (JAMA) was another success, held at Makuhari Messe, Chiba of Japan from October 26 to November 11 that had 246 exhibitors and drew some 1.43 million visitors.

The 2007 version ran with the "Catch the News, Touch the Future" theme that boasted a restyled, comprehensive show, the first in a decade, that combined exhibits of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, vehicle bodies, parts, and machinery.

The Tokyo Motor Show attracted intensive global attention for displaying many advanced products and technologies, including many world premieres in all automotive vehicle categories, which was given a dash of amusement with a broad lineup of entertainment events that emphasized audience participation and hands-on interaction.

JAMA pointed out that the total number of visitors came to 1,425,800, a minor decrease from the previous show (the 39th show in 2005), but nonetheless clipped the heels of the 1,431,900 figure for the 2006 Paris International Motor Show.

Top-level Premieres

The number of debuts at the Tokyo Motor Show continues to be among the top globally, the organizer claimed. This year there were 77 World Premieres (36 passenger cars, 5 commercial vehicles, 32 motorcycles, 4 vehicle bodies) and 103 Japanese Premieres (75 passenger cars, 2 commercial vehicles, 26 motorcycles). Visitors and the press alike were enthusiastic about models incorporating leading-edge environmental and safety technologies, and also about sporty models that focus on driving pleasure.

Being a biannual event, the next show is scheduled for the fall of 2009 at Makuhari Messe again and will maintain the same all-in-one format, with the specific schedule to be announced next spring.

Major Bike Brands Under One Roof

All the top-four Japanese players, including Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Honda, and some leading global brands such as Kymco, Ducati, Triumph, Harley-Davison and Adiva displayed their latest machines, while many of them are world premiers.

The Honda Motor Co., one of the world`s largest motorcycle makers, featured 10 World Premier models, three Japan Premier models, and other 33 exhibits, as well as Honda`s environmental and safety technologies.

Takeo Fukui, president and director of Honda, said in his speech for the global media, that Honda`s major theme for this year`s show is "Find Your Wings."

Honda`s EVO6 concept bike combines Honda`s original horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine and sophisticated design to create a new category in the market. The all-new Forza Z scooter is another World Premier. Other highlights are the CB1100F and CB1100R concept models equipped with Honda`s traditional yet continually-maturing inline four-cylinder engines-a new motorcycle idea for the next generation.

Other exhibits included the leading motorcycle maker`s line-up of advanced environmental and safety technologies and Honda`s motor sports racers.

"For our latest efforts in environmental technologies, we have made the fuel injection system even more lightweight and compact to expand its application to small motorcycles as well as large models," Fukui said. "We will also incorporate such new technologies as the `Ultra-low friction engine` to further improve Honda`s fuel economy."

Fukui introduced one of Honda`s new technologies on display, the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system-which enables optimized control of the number of operating cylinders, switching between two, three, or four cylinders according to riding conditions. According to the president, Honda is conducting intensive R&D to apply this VCM system to large motorcycles to improve fuel economy by 30%.

Honda`s Goldwing features the world`s first airbag system for mass-produced motorcycles, and Fukui claimed that his company plans to apply this airbag technology to an increasing number of models.


Having Fun Is Also Good for Business

Honda is also paying more attention to meeting the universal demand for riding motorbikes for amusement-trying to focus more on so-called fun technologies. According to Fukui, looking at the Japanese marketplace, among others, shows that more and more people are riding motorcycles for leisure, especially the baby boomers who now can afford to lead relatively affluent lifestyles. In the mature markets of the developed countries in Europe and North America, the demand for leisure-oriented fun models with a focus on touring has been on the rise.

Responding to the trend, Honda recently launched the new automatic transmission system for motorcycles dubbed the Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT) system, which offers an exhilarating experience with a direct-feel as well as easy operation. The HFT was installed on the DN-01 shown at this year`s show, as well as on the new Forza and EV06 concept models. "We aim to develop technologies like these to reinvigorate the market by pursuing the fun element," Fukui stressed.



The DN01 with Honda`s advanced HFT technology.


Furthermore, the president added, Honda would continue exploring a wide range of possibilities in design technologies to respond to the diverse demands, offering pioneering, trend-setting models.


KYMCO, the Lone Taiwanese Brand

Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd. (KYMCO), the largest manufacturer of powered two-wheelers (PTWs) and all terrain vehicles (ATVs) in Taiwan, once again wanted to prove that it can keep up with the Big Leaguers by premiering several models at the show.

KYMCO is the only Taiwanese motorcycle company, and one of the only five international brands outside Japan to qualify against strict standards set by the organizer to be on the same stage as the top-four Japanese motorcycle brands. The other four famous foreign brands are Harley-Davison of the U.S., Triumph of the U.K., and Ducati and Adiva of Italy.

KYMCO debuted the Myroad 700i, a 700cc electronic fuel-injection (EFI) high-end scooter, one with the biggest engine ever produced by a Taiwan powered two-wheeler (PTW) company. In addition, the company also unveiled the MXU-400, its latest 400cc ATV, which has been developed in response to significant demand generated worldwide by earlier 250cc and 500cc models, predecessors to the new MXU-400.


The batch of impressive PTWs debuted by KYMCO also included the Super-8 high-end sport 125cc scooter and Quannon 125cc street bike.

The Myroad 700i is KYMCO`s brand-new flagship scooter featuring all the best in styling, engine performance, and equipment. Jim Yang, marketing director of KYMCO`s overseas sales division, claimed that the firm has spent three years on developing the advanced 700cc liquid-cooled EFI engine as well as many other sophisticated equipment, such as the electrically-adjustable rear suspension that is rider-adjustable to suit different road conditions, or the automatic ABS for excellent braking safety.

KYMCO developed the high-end touring scooter by focusing on several design criteria, including technology, luxury, comfort, styling, and safety. With a powerful 700cc EFI high-tech engine, the Myroad is capable of cruising alongside big bikes on long trips, as well as afford elegant styling, comfy seating; while the anti-theft system, anti-lock brake system (ABS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), etc. round out its lengthy list of standard equipment, requisite on any large-displacement scooter targeted at upmarket consumers.

According to KYMCO, the design of the latest MXU 400 ATV integrates robust, classic American styling cues with the practicality and functionality of modern sport and recreational ATVs, or in short, toughness and style in one.

The MXU 400 fully complies with all European standards and meets the high expectations from the increasingly sophisticated global ATV market. KYMCO claimed that the MXU 400 has design features incorporating subtle yet instantly-recognizable cues of classic design: ribbed hood lines, characteristic wheel arch flairs, and ultra- modern diamond-style headlights, just some of the key features making the new ATV a unique concept.

"The new Myroad 700i is the culmination of KYMCO`s strong technical, R&D, and quality capabilities, as well as a milestone in Taiwan`s PTW industry," Yang claimed. "We hope this trend-setting scooter can help raise KYMCO`s brand image globally."



Yamaha Shows Works of Art

The Yamaha booth concept for the 40th Tokyo Motor Show was "The Art of Engineering." Going beyond mere avant garde, the booth aimed to express the true essence of Yamaha by modeling the entire booth as a "Yamaha Museum" and displaying the bikes as works of art.

Takashi Kajikawa, president of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., said during his speech to the global media that the world`s motorcycle market is growing steadily, led by the Asian markets. "For 2007, demand is gaining momentum and approaching 46 million units," Kajikawa stated. "I believe that motorcycles are vehicles of great social value, not only for the mobility they offer but also for being energy and space efficient models of transportation. These unique values have turned motorcycles into indispensable tools for the lives of countless people in growing markets in Asia and Latin America. So I believe that we can expect to see continued growth in demand in the future."

In contrast, the president added, larger displacement motorcycles continue to be popular primarily for leisure riding in markets like Japan, Europe, and North America. This demand can be accredited to the most fundamental appeal of motorcycles as literally vehicles to freedom-offering wind-in-the-hair exhilaration and indulgence. As leisure vehicles, models and services with constantly higher level of added-value are in demand.

Yamaha`s booth demonstrated its conceptual art behind Yamaha motorcycle design and engineering by showcasing the company`s definitive design ideal of "GENESIS," the engineering ideal that sees the engine, chassis and other main components of a motorcycle not as individual mechanisms but as an integral whole; the active adoption of the latest electronic control technologies to achieve enhanced levels of "rider-machine communication" based on human perception; and "Smart Power" that achieves both customer excitement and eco-friendliness with new power sources.

A total of nine World-Premiere models were unveiled by Yamaha, including the "WR250X Special" dirt bike with the first magnesium rear frame ever on a production model and other advanced technologies; the stylish "BW`S Concept" scooter with off-road flavor; the "XT660Z" Tenere which is eponymous with the famous Dakar Rally machine; the "XS-V1 Sakura" classic-style motorcycle which symbolizes Yamaha Motor`s corporate philosophy; and the "RAIDER S" touring bike that awe-inspires.

Yamaha also displayed the "TMAX" (Japan Premiere) and "MAJESTY Special" (World Premiere) as its proud entries in the automatic transmission bike category.



The hybrid "LUXAIR".

Underlining its dedication to "Smart Power," Yamaha showcased several bikes featuring innovative technologies, including the crossbred four-wheeled hybrid "Tesseract" powered by a liquid-cooled V-twin engine and an electric motor; the compact electric commuter models "BOBBY" and "C3+"; the fuel-cell motorcycles "FC-AQEL" that runs on compressed hydrogen fuel and the "FC-Dii" that runs on methanol, as well as the hybrid "LUXAIR" driven by a gasoline engine and electric motor.

The four-wheeled hybrid "Tesseract" is powered by a liquid-cooled V-twin engine and an electric motor.



Suzuki "Flies" The Biplane

Suzuki Motor Corp. also showcased many cutting-edge World Premiere models.

One of the most radical machines was the concept "The Biplane," which communicates the joy of two-wheeled mobility through a design that was uniquely inspired by the feeling of piloting an airplane. The Biplane, which has no canopy, gives a great feeling of openness thanks to its name-implied shape, which always evokes softer, human-friendliness and warmth, Suzuki said, with the bike being powered by a V4 engine.

Suzuki`s idea of a new way for adult couples to ride side-by-side in the city is the Gemma, which has an innovative bench seat, as well as refined, low, flowing form. A bench seat allows couples to ride with a greater sense of togetherness. It also features a front luggage compartment that enhances the stylish riding experience. The city-smart, compact Gemma is designed for new riding enjoyment that is couple-friendly and yet different from cars or conventional scooters.

The "Crosscage" is a fuel-cell concept motorcycle featuring a simple, compact, lightweight air-cooled fuel-cell system and a high-performance secondary battery to realize optimal power control. The fuel-cell unit from the British specialist company Intelligent Energy delivers quick activation with low fuel consumption, Suzuki said, and a lithium-ion battery combines safety with a low environmental burden. Besides being environment-friendly, the Crosscage also helped to confirm sporty styling befitting the Suzuki name.

The first Hayabusa 1300 introduced the ultimate sport motorcycle performance concept back in 1999. Now the motorcycle named after the world`s fastest bird is ready to soar to new heights with a full model change. Notably, Suzuki worked with the "one piece" concept to regard the rider as part of the bike`s aerodynamic structure, taking the rider`s position into careful account to minimize the drag coefficient. Suzuki also upped the engine displacement to create a bike that looks and performs like nothing else on two wheels.



The Skywave Type M is a big scooter featuring 7-speed manual transmission that is an electronically-controlled CVT, while Skywave`s smooth ride is enabled by its link-type suspension with high shock-absorption performance. Its electronically-controlled CVT (SECVT), which comes with MT assist for better acceleration, opens up a new realm of riding quality combining superb comfort and sporty performance.



Triumph Launches New Touring Bike

Tue Mantoni, commercial director of Triumph Motorcycles Ltd., announced at the show the World Premiere of the Rocket III Touring. The completely new bike shares the same 2.3-liter engine as the Rocket III, but is otherwise all new: new frame, wheels, suspension, seat, fuel tank, instruments, lights, etc. Combining archetypal custom-touring style with excellent ergonomics and impressive performance, Mantoni said, the bike is designed for those who demand the utmost in long-haul ability.


The World Premiere of the Triumph Rocket III Touring.

For the last three years, the commercial director said, since its release in 2005, the Speed Triple has been the kid of the performance class, and Triumph wants to leave it there. For 2008 the Speed Triple is renewed with a host of changes, including a completely re-designed rear end, wheels and headlights to give the bike a sharper, leaner look, while the company has improved the specifications with Magura tapered aluminum, Brembo four-piston and-pad, radial front brake calipers and a Nissin radial master cylinder.


Adiva Puts Roof Over Its Scooters

Adiva Advanced Vehicles Co., Ltd., a Italy-based company running assembly plants in Italy and Taiwan, showcased its AD-series (125cc/250cc) scooter with an internationally patented convertible roof or windshield-canopy that, said the company, is a renaissance in the Italian spirit of urban commuting.

Marco Bertoldo, president of Adiva Japan, claimed that the AD-series scooters, one of the company`s trend-setting products, feature several advantages, including the convertible roof that can be set up within 10 seconds manually, with and the front wiper effectively helping to improve vision during rain, the lower-seat design upgrades vehicle balance, and the largest-in-class luggage compartment.

According to the president, Adiva is a streamlined company focusing on developing newer and better products for its niche market-urbanites. The company also emphasizes quality, so procures key parts from Italy, the U.S., and Taiwan. He also added that Adiva-designed scooters are especially suitable for Asian riders for their relatively-smaller size and lower clearance.