news

Audi & BMW to skip Tokyo motor show

Audi and BMW will join a growing list of European brands that are boycotting the Tokyo motor show this year, leaving Mercedes-Benz as the only foreign mainstream luxury marque attending the event.


Scheduled to run from October 24 to November 4, the Tokyo motor show is Japan's biggest automotive industry event.

Industry journal Automotive News Europe reports several other Euro automakers will be skipping the motor show as well, including Volkswagen, the PSA Group, and Volvo Cars.

The Japan Automobile Manufacturer Association (JAMA) has confirmed, however, that Alpina and Renault will be in attendance.

Despite numerous foreign brands pulling out of the country's premier industry showcase, Automotive News Europe says imported car sales are actually on the up in Japan, with a 4.3 per cent increase recorded in 2018.

Furthermore, imported vehicle sales have climbed by 30 per cent in the last decade according to JAMA figures.

A Volkswagen spokesperson told the publication the brand doesn't have any new models to showcase for the Japanese market, hence its absence, while a BMW representative said the Bavarian marque plans to hold a standalone event.

It's a growing trend for manufacturers to ditch motor shows over the past few years, with Audi, Volkswagen and Volvo being repeat offenders.

Putting up stands at these events can cost companies millions while having to share the spotlight with rival brands. Like BMW's approach for Tokyo, a growing number of marques are starting to hold their own events for customers and the like to showcase their products in an exclusive setting for better engagement.

Chat with us!







Chat with Agent