Big names missing from Tokyo motor show

BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen will not have a significant presence at this year's Tokyo motor show, according to the event's organisers.

US car makers Chrysler, Ford and GM have already pulled out of the biennial motor show.

Porsche and Ferrari are the only major non-Japanese manufacturers to confirm that they will attend this year's show.

The chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), Satoshi Aoki, said: 'In consideration of the extremely severe business and market conditions withdrawal can be a major way to reduce the burden.'

The show kicks-off on October 21.