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- 2007 Tokyo Motor Show
Even though the Tokyo Motor Show is an international event, its unique Japanese flavor is immediately obvious. All the domestic manufacturers roll out their most innovative concepts and production cars, as well as vehicles sold only in Japan. Tiny compact vans and utility vehicles from Daihatsu and Suzuki highlighted the extremes of space efficiency, while Nissan and Mitsubishi showed RV and commercial trucks that would be at home on American highways. Toyota had a selection of boxy concepts cars and vans that pointed to its future direction in automotive design and technology. The highly anticipated Lancer EVO was relegated to a small corner of the Mitsubishi stand, while Nissan introduced its vaunted GT-R with much fanfare to the eager crowds of Japanese journalists. Subaru unveiled the hot Impreza STI, now available only as a 5-door hatchback. Honda revived the spirit of the much-loved CRX with the CR-Z concept, a sport coupe that should appeal to Honda enthusiasts everywhere. Even the German manufacturers had a few surprises: Audi revealed the intriguing metroproject quattro, which appears to be its competitor to the popular Mini Cooper. At the BMW stand, a Concept 1-Series tii forged a direct spiritual link to the legendary 2002 tii from the 1970s. Despite the sizable German presence, or the more subdued American displays, the biennial Tokyo Motor Show is really about the vibrant and diverse Japanese auto industry.