Frankfurt- Carmakers will be trying to outdo each other with eye-catching new models at the upcoming Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) show despite the worst crisis to hit the industry for decades.
The huge exhibition at the fairground in Germany's financial capital, which runs from 17 to 27 September, comes amid tentative signs that things in the industry may be improving.
It seems manufacturers are starting to find their feet again after a disastrous year which saw the bankruptcy of big names such as General Motors and Chrysler.
Of course worldwide sales are still down and the end of scrappage schemes in the United States and Europe could mean a bleak mid-winter for many makers, but optimism is in the air.
Only days ahead of the fair, the future of GM's European offshoot Opel also seemed more secure following a part-takeover by Canadian- Austrian car parts supplier Magna.
'The IAA will show how car companies are driving out of this trough,' said German VDA carmakers federation president Matthias Wissman in an upbeat statement. 'Over the coming months things are going to get better step by step.'
Carmakers at the Frankfurt show aim to let the good times roll, with a raft of racy and exotic models flanked by innovative new electric vehicles and fuel-saving technology.
The motto of the 63rd edition is A Moving Experience' and organisers claim the expo is still the biggest of its kind in the world with 753 exhibitors albeit - 30 per cent down on 2007. The fair will be officially opened by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
This edition of the IAA is about visions of the future, with all the major makers showing hybrids which feature petrol or diesel engines mated to electric motors, along with pure electric-powered cars which provide eco-friendly mobility.
German manufacturers traditionally rule the roost at this major European showcase and their ideas for alternative propulsion will take centre stage.
Pure electric drive could however mean the writing is on the wall for German makers whose reputation for technological excellence is based on producing petrol and diesel cars. They must now prove their prowess in the field of electro-chemicals and batteries.
BMW aims to show that a modern sports car can be green and fun at the same time. Its plug-in diesel-electric supercar car called Vision Efficient Dynamics' delivers blistering acceleration while consuming a miserly 3.76 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (60 miles). The secret lies in the combination of a turbocharged-diesel engine mated to twin electric motors.
BMW's first-ever production hybrids will also be gracing its show stand. The eco-version of the 2.5-tonne X6 off-roader shares technology with GM vehicles while the 7 series limousine has German- made lithium batteries on board.
Amid much wrangling over its future ownership, GM subsidiary Opel will be unveiling the Ampera, the European version of the Chevrolet Volt electric car, while Toyotas IQ-based battery city vehicle is expected to feature a range of 150 kilometres between charges.
Volkswagen has promised an urban electric car based on the Up prototype shown in Frankfurt in 2007. It could spawn a whole range of what the company calls its 'New Small Family'.
According to Volkswagen's chief designer Walter de Silva, VW's future lies with compact cars. 'We want an entry-level car which is as simple as a Bic cigarette lighter but which can be personalised to suit a range of customer wishes,' he told the auto motor und sport motoring magazine.
Glamour and luxury always play a big part at the Frankfurt fair and new offerings include the world debut of the handsome four-door Aston Martin Rapide. It will provide plenty of competition for Porsche's new Panamera grand tourer which is also on show.
The new Bentley Mulsanne is even more grand than the Arnage limousine it replaces and the expensive big sister to the Continental GT debuts for the first time officially in Frankfurt.
Rivals Rolls-Royce will also be unveiling the new 'affordable' gentleman's carriage, the Ghost. With a price tag of around 200,000 pounds (330,000 dollars) this car is hardly for the masses but company owners BMW hope it will to attract new buyers to the marque.
When the exhibition closes its doors the numerous problems facing the car industry will not go away. Falling prices and overproduction in Europe are among the risks ahead and some manufacturers may not survive the turmoil without powerful partners or cooperation agreements. 'The realignment of the car industry has only just begun,' said analyst Willi Diez of Germany's Autombile Industry Institute.
Internet : www.iaa.de
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