ECO + Sport!

This year, starting from theDetroit Motor Showto theGeneva Show,Auto China (Beijing),Paris Auto Salon, I attended various auto shows. During this time, I also participated in international test drives and factory tours for various manufacturers. The McLaren and Bentley factories were particularly impressive.

Based on these experiences, I felt the vitality of European manufacturers, especially those from Germany. Audi's popularity is immense, and Volkswagen is making its presence felt with the 'up!'. The full model change of the Porsche 911 was also a major topic.

However, British cars are not to be outdone. The McLaren MP4-12C, released by McLaren, was quickly praised by European automotive magazines as the most user-friendly supercar. French and Italian manufacturers were subdued, likely affected by the European economic crisis. This is understandable when major markets like Spain and Portugal are facing potential economic collapse.

But Japanese manufacturers seem even less energetic. Even when visiting their booths at auto shows, the atmosphere felt somewhat subdued. Although some good cars were announced, there was a lack of vibrancy. However, amidst this, the Toyota GT86 (European name) became a talking point. I received several questions about its specifications from foreign motor journalists and European manufacturer staff. It seems this industry is indeed driven by sports car enthusiasts.

Therefore, the achievements of German manufacturers stand out this year. Their technology is undoubtedly leading the automotive industry. Personally, I am drawn to the 'ECO + Sport' concept. Their philosophy that a car is not truly a car if it's not fun to drive, no matter how much you emphasize ECO, resonates with me. Perhaps we should look to European manufacturers for this kind of sensibility. It's an approach that Japanese manufacturers, focused solely on fuel efficiency and turning cars into mere appliances, lack.

Tatsuya Kushima's Top 5 Recommended Cars for OPENERS Readers in 2012