FACT, FUTURISTIC AND FANCIFUL - THE GENEVA SHOW HAD IT ALL
03 March 2006 - Geneva Motor Show

New production models, concept cars which are close to reality, and improbable publicity seeking styling designs, all were assembled in the Palexpo exhibition halls in Geneva

The automotive industry showcased its talents in readiness for another tough year of new car sales.

There is something for everyone at the show with the latest electric, bio-fuel, solo to multiple passenger vehicles jockeying for attention from the world’s press in the first major European show of the season.

The latest offerings from Ferrari and Porsche attracted as much attention as the hottest new Honda Civic Type R and the family friendly Ford S-MAX, such is the enormous interest the industry attracts from all sections and publications in the market.

From family to famous there was something for everyone to look at and think about.

Several cars made their world debut in the show, apart from the new S-MAX and Galaxy. The Chevrolet Captiva SUV, Suzuki SX-4 and Fiat Panda 4x4 while the Italian group was also marking the event with the arrival of the Alfa Romeo 159 Wagon and Ferrari 599GTB.

Without a German motor show this season, Mercedes-Benz took the opportunity to reveal its advanced technology diesel cars as well as its high performance AMG V12 derivatives close to the Porsche 911 Turbo, GT3 and Cayman S.

In the executive market, the Volvo S80 was shown for the first time as well as the Audi A4 RS series.

In the family sector, the world saw the new Peugeot 207 debut, with additions to the Mazda3 and Suzuki Swift series of cars and Kia and Hyundai drew big crowds with their cee’d, Sedona, and Santa Fe models.

The Skoda Roomster is the first car which is made up from more than one model, but you would never know unless you read it here. The front end of the chassis is from the Fabia and the back area comes from the Octavia series all joined together with a longer centre section. Skoda said this is called “modular strategy” and it saves development time and cost and we will see more of this groundbreaking technology used in future models within the Volkswagen Group.

VW itself teased with the Concept A SUV, a shrunken Touareg to some, as well as the hottest Polo and new Eos CC. Not to be outdone, the Opel (Vauxhall) GT dipped into the show and Ford used it to preview the production version of the Focus CC. Even Saab Aero X got into the act but this is unlikely to hit the streets as the company struggles to make ends meet for its GM owners.

But some believe the Brits really were the coolest in Toblerone Town. We saw the Aston Martin Rapide four-door super car, Rolls-Royce 101EX, and Lotus Europa S coupe.
A technical tour de force also came from Land Rover with its e-Terrain Technology Concept showcasing the ultimate in 4x4 footwork.

From: Miles Better News Agency

www.salon-auto.ch

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