Chrysler and GM decided to cut costs instead of taking part in the biennial motor show in Japan, one of the auto world's premier get-togethers, the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper reported, quoting unnamed sources.

The two companies are relying on billions of dollars in US federal loans to stay afloat. Ford Motor, the other member of Detroit's Big Three, has warned that it could also need government help if sales worsen.

GM and Chrysler failed to register for October's event by a deadline of the end of December, Kyodo News said, citing an official of the motor show sponsor Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).

JAMA spokeswoman Kazusa Yoshino declined to comment on the report but said: 'The deadline isn't strict and we will still accept registrations.'

She said the details of the show such as the exhibitors would be announced in March or April.

Japanese automakers are also suffering as the global economic crisis saps demand for new cars, particularly in the United States.

Japanese automakers Nissan Motor and Suzuki Motor are skipping the ongoing Detroit Motor Show. However, Japan's top two automakers, Toyota Motor and Honda Motor, are both taking part. -- AFP