Luxury vehicle Lincoln (whereas it formerly competed with Mercury) and front-wheel drive Acura and Lexus models, while Cadillac is aimed at the "luxury" segment which generally encompasses the performance-oriented BMW and Mercedes-Benz marques. The premium compact segment is targeted at a niche market of consumers who found the existing entry-level luxury offerings (mostly consisting of compact executive cars - see below) to be too expensive. By offering a smaller, lighter, more fuel-efficient, and less expensive vehicle, premium compacts introduce younger buyers to the luxury marque, in hopes of retaining the coveted customer loyalty. This includes for example the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (940),
Toyota Mark II the Toyota Mark X which is still very popular in Japan and select international markets. The Corona Mark II, first offered for sale in Japan, September 1968, at "Toyopet Store" dealerships, was intended as an largest alternative model to the more established luxury sedan, the Crown, sold at "Toyota Store" dealerships, and the smaller Corona, also available at "Toyopet Stores". It was a slightly larger vehicle than the Corona with a higher level of equipment offered at the time, sharing some of the features of the larger Crown, but taking the top position at "Toyopet Store" locations. At its introduction,