The Italian carmakers have taken centre stage at the European Motor Show, being held in Brussels this week, from the new 'compact' Fiat Grande Punto to the exotic Ferrari FXX supercar, bold new Italian metal is captivating the large crowds.

The 84th European Motor Show is taking place once more around the thirteen halls that comprise the Heysel Exhibition Centre, which cover an indoor surface area of about 114,000 sq m. The event, which bills itself as one of the oldest and most important motor shows in the whole of Europe, will see some 750,000 visitors entering its doors gather first-hand information on approximately three hundred exhibitors who are present with their latest innovations and most recent models, before the show finally closes on Sunday evening. FEBIAC organised its first Motor Show in the hall of the "Cinquantenaire" in Brussels, way back in 1902 and ever since then the show has established a place on the calendar, in a vibrant, multicultural city which is home to several leading international institutions, including the European Union and NATO.

Italian cars are certainly the buzzword this year. Each of the Fiat Group brand's has presented a glitzy, stylish stand packed with new exciting models, and the strong interest from show visitors all week, amply demonstrates that their vibrant, fresh approach has worked. Belgian visitors this week have been clearly convinced that not only are Italian cars attractive and stylish, but they are also practical propositions as well.

Fiat certainly has the 'coolest' place in the vast Heysel Exhibition Centre. DJs and dancers entertain the crowds who have clustered 'en masse' around the new Grand Punto, which dominates the bright, attractive stand. The new model, which already has an order book that tops 100,000 units, has just gone on sale across Belgium. Lancia have weighed into the proceedings with the stylish new Ypsilon MomoDesign, while Alfa Romeo have presented the new Brera sportscar. The exciting new Giugiaro-styled sportscar is comfortably one of the biggest stars of the whole show, continually surrounded by enthusiastic onlookers and the flashing of camera bulbs, while it seems as if every visitor in the halls is clutching the obligatory 'Brera' carrier bag. The Brera is joined by the equally stylish Alfa 159, and the gorgeous GT Coupé.