Hand-Picked By GM

It is battling to remain the world's largest car company, but you would never think so from General Motors' small-scale presence at the Tokyo Motor show.

Hosting a simple and spectacular-free presentation at the company's modestly sized stand, Executive Director for Sales and Service at GM Asia, Jim Raymond, recognized that Asian markets are "rather different" and explained that GM "hand-picks vehicles for customers wanting something special."

"Small-scale" or "modest" are descriptions that you couldn't apply to the vehicles that were selected, though. The Hummer H3, Corvette, and Cadillac CTS are some of the best examples of bold, no-nonsense, brawny American design you could find, and they come in very American dimensions.

It's quite a contrast at a show dominated by small and often very avant-garde vehicles. Explaining the choices, Raymond said "prestige, style, value, passion are the key to [appealing to] import buyers in Japan." Or in other words: We're a niche player here so we're sending only our most accomplished and profitable vehicles.

The new Cadillac CTS is the hot news. It went on sale in the U.S. in the last few days, where reviews have mostly found it much improved over the previous model. It has a sophisticated new 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. GM engineers have also worked hard to try to get it closer to European standards for ride, handling, and cabin finish in their continuing quest for a breakthrough in that market. Those qualities won't hurt in Asia, either.

The H3 is Hummer's smallest and most road-friendly car, though it's still distinctively Hummer which inevitably makes it a bit of a monster. It's available in right-hand drive (ideal for Japan where, as in the U.S., you drive on the left) and is equipped with rearview cameras to make reversing easier.

Corvette really stands on its own - the definitive affordable American supercar, its combination of power, unapologetic look-at-me styling and affordability has long made it something special. Recently improvements to handling and quality have started to widen its international appeal by making it a less eccentric choice for road conditions outside of North America.

Contrasting with these American idols, but still fitting Raymond's criteria for Japan, is one rather different vehicle from the GM stable - the Saab 9-3. The cool Scandinavian style of this compact executive offers buyers an alternative image. The characteristic clam-shell hood and sweeping aerodynamic lines of 9-3's latest generation represent a welcome return to classic Saab design values.