Hy says bye to expo

02nd October 2009

Tokyo's upcoming motor show is set to be a virtually all-Japanese affair – after one of the only remaining overseas brands, Hyundai, sensationally pulled out.

The South Korean maker decided to end its participation in the biennial event last week – a mere three weeks before the doors open.

Now, the sole remaining foreign firms planning to appear are German BMW modifier Alpina and UK sports car marque Lotus.

America’s major brands announced their intent not to take part earlier this year, and European makers followed suit.

It’s not been revealed whether any Hyundai launches were planned, but the new Equus saloon may have been a highlight.

The firm will forfeit a reported 10.9million yen (£77,000) deposit for its 4,300sq.ft. exhibit, but has confirmed it will appear at January’s Detroit Motor Show.

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