The Geneva Motor Show 2010 once again reinforced the theme that Green is the way forward for automobile manufacturers. It was Green all over and this becomes evident the moment you step into the cavernous hall at the Palexpo, which hosts the Geneva Show every year. You name the manufacturer, it had a green vehicle to boast off, either a
As Europe and the rest of the developed auto world slowly inches out of a slowdown, car makers have left no stone unturned to display their green credentials. There were a few launches too - actor Justin Timberlake drove the new Audi A1 compact luxury car and another celebrity unto himself, Nissan’s CEO Mr Carlos Ghosn, took the wraps of the much-awaited new Nissan Micra. The Audi A1 is slated for an August launch.
Toyota had the world debut of its Auris Hybrid Synergy Drive and the Lexus CT 200h, which is a hybrid in the premium compact segment. The Auris HSD emits 89 g/km of CO2 and boasts of a fuel consumption of 3.8 l /100 kms in the European homologation combined cycle. Tata Motors featured an electric vehicle concept of its low cost Nano and an electric Indica. The Indica EV is due for a launch in the UK and Scandinavian countries in the second half of 2010.
Ferrari featured its HY-KERS vettura laboratorio (experimental vehicle) at the show, revealing the hybrid solutions being developed by Ferrari’s engineers. The HY-KERS is based on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and the company says the technology will one day be available on all Ferraris, 8 and 12-cylinders alike. Ferrari also featured the Stop and Start system on the Ferrari California.
Also launched was the Volvo S60, the coupe-like luxury sedan, which should go into production later this year.
The Aston Martin Cygnet concept car was another eye-catcher in the luxury commuter car space. Volkswagen showcased its entire range of advanced technology cars, including a hybrid Touareg, Cross Polo and Golf.