Imported automobiles participated in the 17th Tokyo Motor Show for the first time. A total of 95 imported vehicles were exhibited by 33 foreign carmakers from 7 countries. The latest designs and advanced technologies of imported vehicles helped the Japan show to have a strong international flavor. On the other hand, Japanese carmakers presented a variety of vehicles ranging from sporty models (including minivehicles) prepared for high-speed driving, cars for leisure use and city cars, as well as advanced reference models (including electric vehicles) focusing on high safety standards and low exhaust emissions. This year Toyota released the Celica and Carina onto the market, while Nissan launched its front-engine, front-wheel-drive model, the Cherry, featuring an industry-first horizontally mounted engine layout. A "Safety and Pollution Protection Center" pavilion was newly created at the show to indicate that the automotive industry has launched into the challenge to improve safety and reduce exhaust emissions.