At the last Tokyo Motor Show, it was the "Alfa 156" that garnered the attention. This year, the "Alfa 147" has the popularity. Many of the visitors were asking where they could buy one.

At the Alpina booth, the highlight is the "ROADSTER V8". The booth isn't flashy, but the crowds come to see it.

Renault has become a household word in Japan, and its booth is very popular as a result. The "Talisman" concept car has been lauded for its refinement and high degree of perfection. Another popular model is the " Avantime" that combines the best features of the coupe and the wagon. Many visitors just sit and gaze for a while. Renault is by no means just a "small car" company, however, and its luxury model "Vel Satis," which is scheduled for launch in Japan, shows just how deep the company goes. The 3.5-liter V6 engine, 4,860 mm length, and 5-door layout that brings a rear gate to the sedan make this a very "Renault-like" offering that is garnering a growing number of fans.

The Aston Martin booth has 2 cars on display, the "DB7 Vantage Volante" and the "V12 Vanquish." Unable to go in, visitors gaze on the cars from afar. While it is not possible to try out the new technologies in "Vanquish " like "drive-by- wire," the unique composite structure can be seen in a cutaway body in the center of the exhibit.

BMW features minor change versions of its 7 and 3 series. The most popular display by far is the "M3 CSL," which reduces the weight of the M3 by more than 200 kg to create a lighter, better performing vehicle. Visitors comment, "This is a man's car," and "This is great. I'm glad I came." Visitors to the BMW booth also want to see the new "MINI". This is the first time the "MINI" has been on display in Japan, and BMW has created a separate space for it. You'll know you're there by the crowd of people.

The exhibit on the front pedestal is the "Focus RS WRC." The fact that people are squeezing in to try to see it shows that Ford's participation in motor sports has incresed its brand recognition in Japan. The "Thunderbird" is a reference exhibit that intentionally recreates an early 1954 Thunderbird. The compact, graceful body lines are readily accepted by young people who have (we suppose) no knowledge of those times. But what visitors are really interested in is the "Mustang Bullit GT." As you go by the exhibit, pay attention to the fathers wistfully telling their children about the late 60's movie hit of that name.

The motor show is a great chance to see, touch, and feel the real thing. At the Fiat booth, families are taking the opportunity to sit in the "Punto," a small car known for a high degree of perfection.

The overwhelming focus of popularity is the "Jaguar R- Coupe" concept car. This is a retro-modern coupe that maintains classical styling while providing 4 seats. If you stand in front of the booth very long, you are sure to encounter a debate on Jaguar design philosophies. The "XTYPE," which made a dramatic evolution from FR to fourwheel- drive, is increasingly popular with young people, who also like its compact exterior. The impression of the viewers was that Jaguar's popularity is growing among an increasingly wide spectrum of the market.

There are always crowds around the special-order " Defender" that was driven by the super heroine in the movie "Tomb Raiders." This is not a revival model. Land Rover has the technical capacity to apply 1940 styling to modern needs. The showroom assistants are dressed in costumes reminiscent of starring actress Lara Croft, and the camera flashes never cease. Land Rover is well known and increasingly popular in Japan for its tough on-road and off-road models, including the " Range Rover, " "Discovery" and "Freelander."

The Volvo "S60" sedan series was launched earlier this year in Japan and shows unusual popularity for a "non-estate wagon" Volvo. The series has been universally applauded at the Motor Show. Volvo has 3 specialty concept cars on display: the "SCC" Safety Concept Car, the "ACC" Adventure Concept Car, and the "PCC" Performance Concept Car. All of them have gained interest, though the sporty "PCC" is generating the most excitement. Volvo also has a popular video on its safety efforts, "CLIVE ALIVE ! " a love story featuring crash test dummies.