Nissan Motor Co. said it is pulling out of the Detroit and Chicago auto shows, citing the tough economy and the lack of new vehicles to unveil.

"Based on the fact that we have no major new products to show at the 2009 Detroit and Chicago auto shows, as well as the current economic conditions which will impact the shows' marketing effectiveness, we have decided to cancel our involvement and participation," Japan's third-biggest automaker said.

The announcement comes after Nissan made a splash last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where it unveiled the Cube, an updated 370Z roadster and a low-priced Versa. Its Infiniti luxury line unveiled its G37 convertible at the show.