TOKYO, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The 46th Tokyo Motor Show with the theme of "open future" kicked off on Thursday to showcase the latest models of global automakers, focusing on future-oriented and cutting-edge vehicles, such as self-driving cars.
The biennial exhibition, which is held at Tokyo Big Sight convention center and its vicinity, is attended by about 180 carmakers and organizations, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), the nation's largest auto lobby and the show's organizer.
Among them, Toyota is showcasing the second generation of its Mirai fuel cell vehicle and an ultra-compact EV, which is slated for release at the end of 2020. Honda is introducing a compact EV model which is scheduled to go on sale next year, while Nissan is rolling out a concept mini EV which is equipped with a self-parking function.
The show once had a reputation as one of the world's five biggest auto shows along with the Frankfurt, Geneva, Detroit and Paris shows. However, as overseas manufacturers have shifted their focus to emerging markets in recent years, the show seems to lose its lustre.
Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corp. and JAMA chairman, said last month that he hoped attendance would reach 1 million this year. The number of visitors in 2013 was about 900,000, and it dropped to about 800,000 in 2015. The last show in 2017 attracted some 770,000 people.
To raise the number of visitors, the show not only showcases vehicles and technologies, but also emphasizes on comfort, convenience and fun of driving in the future. In addition, the organizers are planning to hold a number of theme exhibitions.
The Tokyo Motor Show will open to the public from Friday and run through Nov. 4.
