Here’s a strange bit of news for you–turns out that this year’s Tokyo Motor Show will occupy half the floor space of last year’s.

This by itself might not mean so much, but it joins up with some other, similar news.  The Tokyo Motor Show will only feature Japanese automaker cars.  Seems everyone else is neck-deep in pleading poverty.  The Japanese car makers, meanwhile, wouldn’t go to the Frankfurt show so they’d have something new to exhibit at the Tokyo Motor Show.

A litany of economic horrors followed:  the annual North America International Auto Show (also known as the Detroit Auto Show), lost GM. The New York International Auto Show was less than half its previous size. Italy’s Bologna Motor Show is on the brink of collapse.

Worldwide, car shows are slumping, and facing outright extinction.  In fact, it may be that, someday, car shows will never be seen again.  Maybe they’ll become smaller, regional shows.  Or maybe they’ll go strictly online.  But no alternative meausre bodes well for things as a whole.

Tags: Bologna, bologna motor show, detroit auto show, north america international auto show, tokyo motor show

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It may be small but it is the concept that counts. As far as the Kia Soul’ster is concerned, the brainchild of Kia Motors America has been lauded and has received the 2009 Concept Truck of the Year award. The Kia Soul’ster debuted at the 2009 North America International Auto Show. With the new concept vehicle, Kia presents a creative concept vehicle that is sure to be a great add for transportation needs which are quite relevant today.

“The Soul production vehicle has provided our design team with a tremendous platform for expression, and with the Soul’ster we sought to highlight a different side of the Soul and take it to another level,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America. “It is an honor for the Soul’ster to be named Concept Truck of the Year, and further proof that Kia’s global commitment to design is dramatically altering the brand’s image and consumer opinion of our company and our vehicles.”

Indeed, Kia Motors has been on the aggressive route towards improving its vehicle quality and niche. And as far as a new concept vehicle, or truck in this case, the Soul’ster carries an appealing design that is sure to be admired and a hit in the car market soon.

(Source) Press

Tags: brainchild, car market, chief designer, consumer opinion, creative concept, expression, global commitment, kearns, KIA, kia motors america, niche, north america international auto show, proof, vehicle quality

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