After spending the first press day at Geneva, I can make 3 general observations:
– At the opposite of last year, considering all the concept cars and the unveiled models, we can probably say the automotive crisis in Europe is behind us.
– After IAA Frankfurt focused on German cars, and NAIAS Detroit focused on American cars, the Geneva Auto Show is different because no cars are produced in Switzerland. But this is definitely a show meant for European buyers.
-The 2014 show is focused on concept cars (OEMs and creators) and super cars as usual but also on small cars such as Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 108, Citroën C1, Renault Twingo 3, Opel Adam Rocks and others, all entrée cars to attract new customers towards a first experience with a different brand.
Concerning lighting, I retain four takeaway points
– All concept cars use LED with light blocks or light jewels with smaller functional light sources in order to save room or to introduce decorative items. The days of big projectors are behind us.
– The height of cars is decreasing in concept cars, a bit also in the unveiled models.
– The number of light sources is increasing and we now see frequently several different light sources on the front end.
– In the rear lamps, we see more and more red light bars and light blocks with a perfect homogeneity.
A last remark is about the low level of new models equipped with LED headlamps at the opposite of IAA last year and even Mondial in 2012. The report on Geneva Auto Show will be published beginning of April 2014.
All the DVN pictures will be on the website just after the report publication.
Last point: please take the time to read this week’s very interesting paper from Professor Khanh who summarises very well our job and helps to build your vision after the DVN workshop.
Sincerely yours
DVN Editor in Chief