Reflecting The Economic recession that has the global auto industry in a funk, the 2009 Frankfurt auto show's tone favors frugality over frivolity.
Clean-running electric vehicles and sensible family haulers are front and center, leaving swoopy supercars in the shadows.
Renault SA CEO Carlos Ghosn has forecast EVs will account for 10% of global sales within the next decade, so the French auto maker is doing its bit to meet the demand. Renault is expected to unveil a trio of EVs at a news conference immediately followed by a presentation from Better Place, a California-based EV service provider that aspires to establish a worldwide network of charging stations and battery-switching depots.
Volkswagen AG takes the wraps off a 3-door version of its Polo B-segment vehicle, an entry it calls “the world's most fuel-efficient car in its class.” Powered by a diesel engine, the Bluemotion-brand iteration earns a fuel-economy rating of 71 mpg (3.3 L/100 km).
General Motors Co. follows suit with its Chevrolet Spark minicar. Built in South Korea, the vehicle will make its German premier at Frankfurt.
VW's Skoda Auto a.s. debuts the first-ever wagon version of its Superb flagship sedan. The wagon, which will be assembled at Skoda's plant in Kvasiny, Czech Republic, launches in late November.
Kia Motors Corp. showcases the production version of its Venga B-segment MPV that debuted as a concept vehicle at the 2009 Geneva auto show. Also built in the Czech Republic, the Venga will be sold only in Europe.
Kia's sister company, Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd., shows some sportiness with the European introduction of its ix35 compact cross/utility vehicle. It goes on sale this month in Korea and next year in Europe and the U.S., where it is known as the Tucson.
Leave it to Fiat Auto SpA's Maserati to excite, however. The Trident brand introduces its third family of vehicles: the GranCabrio.
Concept unveilings range from Mazda Motor Corp.'s MX-5 Superlight roadster that demonstrates the auto maker's advances in lightweight construction, to a “premium compact” car from Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus luxury brand.
The Lexus is aimed at rivals BMW AG and Audi AG, makers of the 1-Series model and A3, respectively.
