Geneva is always an interesting show because it’s held in neutral territory. Switzerland doesn’t produce automobiles, but it is accessible to everyone. It’s a perfect place.
And like Detroit, everyone who’s anyone in the automobile business will be there for two busy days of press conferences, Tuesday and Wednesday, before the show opens to the public Thursday March 6.
Because of its convenience to all the major motor capitals of Europe, just about every top executive seems to show up for press days.
Concept cars presented:
– BMW X5 hybrid SUV
with solar cells covering 10 square feet of the roof
– Hyundai HED-5 minivan
to show new materials to reduce height
– Mercedes GLK hybrid
hybrid variant expected to follow 3 years after GLK production on October 2008
– Mitsubishi prototype-S 5 doors
the bold-looking front-end and wide, low proportion showcase the Japanese carmaker’s new, sportier design identity
– Opel Meriva minivan
adopts some of the lines of Flexterme concept. The rear lights echo those of the Insignia
– Saab 9-1 small car
to show Saab’s desire to develop a premium entry-level model to compete BMW 1-series and Volvo C30
Main world debuts:
Audi A4 Avant, Ford Fiesta 3-door, Ford Kuga crossover, Toyota IQ minicar, VW Scirocco 3-door, Volvo X60 crossover