Big 3 bow out of Tokyo show

Detroit's Big Three are all pulling out of the Tokyo Motor Show to save money.

Their decision is not surprising, given the U.S. automakers' cash constraints and their negligible presence in the Japanese market. But it puts enormous pressure on the organizers of the Tokyo show, which was once the world's premiere automotive technology showcase but has lost some of its relevance.

Even Nissan Motor Co. is questioning whether to take part in the Tokyo show. An official said Nissan was reconsidering its participation at all the major auto shows in light of the worsening economic situation. This year, it skipped the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (See related rumor about the show being cancelled altogether)