Feature: Tokyo 2009's finest

'The time now is for zero emissions.'

Sounds like somebody's been studying Barack Obama's speeches, but this rather drama-laden quote came from Renault-Nissan president Carlos Ghosn at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show - a show dominated by the green theme.

And, finding the most viable green driving solutions - both technologically and visually - is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Every large-scale car maker, desperate to demonstrate green credentials, has an 'eco car' in its locker.

As a result motor shows have become much more measured, sedate affairs. The global economic recession has forced the car industry to rethink its product strategy in order to survive in established markets and fight for new ones.

Tokyo was appropriately subdued - almost as if to reflect the current mood. Scantily dressed girls, flashing bright lights and J-pop were notable for their scarcity. Plus, with almost all the European and American manufactures absent, Japan's carmakers had plenty of space to show off their visions for green motoring.

So, after the dust has settled, and the Tokyo show rests for another couple of years, what were the real stars of the show? Read on to find out.