In a press conference, Toyota president and chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Akio Toyoda, announced that the 2021 Tokyo Motor Show is canceled.
The decision to cancel the show was taken because of the the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, the JAMA did consider other options. Toyoda reported that the organizers had considered an online event, but decided that it wouldn’t allow attendees a main program “where they can experience the charm of mobility in a safe and secure environment.”
The Tokyo Motor Show is traditionally held in October-November and only goes on every two years, which is why it didn’t have to be canceled last year. The first show was held in 1954, 67 years ago, and approximately 547,000 people attended. In 2019, it welcomed 1.3 million visitors.
Read Also: 2021 Tokyo Auto Salon Cancelled Due To Global Pandemic
According to Toyoda, a virtual show would not have worked as a result of the show’s variety and size. Giving people a chance to experience the cars, bikes, minicars, and large vehicles on exhibition in person was a priority.
The announcement follows the cancellation of the 2021 edition of the Tokyo Auto Salon. Set to take place between January 15 and 17, 2021, organizers similarly decided to cancel the event in order to protect attendees and employees.
Japan was recently hit with another wave of COVID-19 infections which led the government to declare a state of emergency, according to Reuters.
When it returns, the show will be slightly changed, as the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association will rename it the Tokyo Mobility Show. That’s to reflect the fact that automakers are rebranding as mobility providers to reflect the availability of new ownership models and to herald the approach of autonomous vehicles.
