Highlights of the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

Being a Japanese motor show, there is no doubt that the Japanese car manufacturers were all present. Toyota had a massive display, taking up almost an entire hall. It had a whole series of concept cars such as the Toyota Fun-Vii and the Toyota Aqua.

The much-talked-about ‘86’ compact rear-wheel-drive sports car was also impressively on display in a bright orange.

Mitsubishi Motors went big on the whole EV (electric vehicle) wave - showcasing variations of its popular mass-produced i-MiEV that now has a Minicab version (basically a light commercial electrical van).

Mitsubishi is currently involved in developing an Electric Vehicle Integration System that sees electric cars becoming part of the household electricity network.

A definite head-turner at the Subaru booth was the Subaru BRZ, which is scheduled for 2013 launch, as well as the GT version of it.

Suzuki had some interesting concepts like the world premiere of the Regina concept and the discman-inspired Q Concept, together with its production models like the new Suzuki Swift Sport.

German car brands Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen were part of the Tokyo Motor Show too, with Volkswagen launching the world premiere of the VW Cross Coupe – the all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid - and the Passat Alltrack.

BMW had the world premiere of its ActiveHybrid 5 and the new BMW M5 and M3 models were on display too.

Other European car brands at the show included MINI, Citroen, Peugeot and Jaguar Land Rover.

The next exciting thing to look forward to from the Japanese automotive market is the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon which will take place from 13 to 15 January next month. A renowned aftermarket parts and accessories exhibition, the Tokyo Auto Salon has established a great reputation for having the sexiest race queens and the most drool-worthy modified cars.

Credits: Cheryl Tay