German car makers BMW, Mercedes and VW will not have a significant presence at this year's Tokyo Motor Show, the event's organisers have confirmed.
The news is a major blow to the show, which has already confirmed that the 'Big Three' US makers, Chrysler, Ford and GM, will not attend either.
At the last show, in 2007, the Germans displayed some significant cars, inlcuding the VW Space Up! and BMW Concept 1-series tii.
The only confirmed major non-Japanese exhibitors for this year are now Porsche and Ferrari.
The show's organiser, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), has also confirmed that 122 companies will have products on display at the show - down from 241 companies when the show was last held in 2007.
"In consideration of the extremely severe business and market conditions withdrawal can be a major way to reduce the burden," said JAMA chairman Satoshi Aoki.
As a result of the withdrawals, the show will be held over 13 days, down from 17 in 2007.
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