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Tokyo motor shows: past, present and future

By Tim Pollard Motor Shows 20 August 2009 09:30 As bets in this topsy-turvy, unpredictable industry go, it’s a banker: of all the motor shows on the global calendar, the Tokyo exhibit is always the barmiest. Although the Chinese shows are rising in importance – and amusement value –  there’s something peculiarly bonkers about the biannual Japanese bash held in downtown Tokyo. So strange is the exhibition at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba City to westerners, that you don’t bat an eyelid at talking cars, vehicles with feelings, or cars designed for dogs.

Business groups call for Severn tolls cut

BUSINESS groups are calling for a reduction in the Severn Bridge tolls as soon as the famous structure comes into public ownership. Following the recent announcement that tolls will be set to increase, the Federation of Small Businesses in Wales and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) have called for the tolls to be reduced to a level that only covers maintenance. In a joint statement the groups expressed their concern for the negative impact the increased tolls could have on the southern Welsh economy.

Mazda MX-5 Superlight concept at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 11 September 2009 09:30 To celebrate 20 years of the MX-5, Mazda has produced this special Superlight concept which be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show next week. Mazda started with the facelifted version of its third-gen sports car and pared it back to basics to create an uncompromising sub-1000kg two-seater sports car. According to project lead designer Hasip Girgin, the challenge was 'to evolve the MX-5, developed to perfection during the last 20 years, to a higher and extreme level.' As such, Mazda seems to be treating the MX-5 Superlight like a portly Caterham, claiming the lack of a windscreen and roof makes the driver and passenger feel more connected with the environment.