The Geneva Motor Show resumed in 10 automobiles
The Geneva press days are now over so the time has come to resume what happened during those days. One thing is sure, the general feeling prevailing was of the stalemate kind. Notwithstanding certain moves from companies that have us accustomed to sudden reorganizing actions when balance sheets spread havoc in the troops, the general atmosphere was clearly more positive than it was in the last three years. Furthermore, certain companies boasted record sales volumes for January and February while others claimed that 2010 was one of the best in their history.
We would like to share our impressions of this event at the gigantic Palexpo. A good approximation of this building’s size is given when one considers the fact that this exposition hall is annexed to the Geneva Cointrin airport and walking from one end to the other takes about 15 minutes.
But, let’s get back to our cars, shall we and see together which vehicles marked this event the most.
1- The most pleasant surprise: the Volkswagen Bulli
The first minivan was invented by this German manufacturer in 1947. After becoming a legendary vehicle on five continents, the Microbus or Bulli, as it is known in Germany, just left the scene. Volkswagen attempted a re-launch in 2001 before dropping out of this project. This time around, the Bulli is back with an ultra-modern silhouette and dimensions that suit the era and even offers electric propulsion. The good news is that the word being spread at Volkswagen is that this project is very close to realization.
2- The most controversial : the Ferrari FF
If some had doubts about the impact of the Porsche Panamera on the luxury car market, one look at this Ferrari will be very convincing. This Ferrari car version is a four-seat passenger car with a V12 engine in an all-wheel-drive configuration, the first of its kind since the AWD prototype of the 1988 408 model. The FF model replaces the 612 Scaglietti. The debate has to do with this hatch-back look. As far as we are concerned, the silhouette of the Pininfarina leaves us slightly dubious.
3- The best return to the past : Lohner-Porsche
If your belief is that Toyota came out with the first hybrid, you are mistaken. Indeed, the people from Porsche were delighted to introduce the Lohner-Porsche to all participants in Geneva. This vehicle was designed as the first hybrid car by Ferdinand Porsche in 1899. This car was equipped with motors on the front wheels and small thermal engines would recharge the batteries. Lest we forget, the 2012 Panamera hybrid was also officially presented.
4- A huge error in judgment: the Saab-Phoenix concept car
The Swedish company by the name of Saab is undergoing a complete rebuilding process. Efforts must be made in order to refurbish a thinning line of products. In Geneva, all lights should have been flashing on the new 9-5 Combi, a family station wagon which has a good look, by the way. But, instead of this being the outcome, the fact is that the Phoenix concept car stole the show. Not only did this sport coupe take over, but it strangely looks like a Spiker more than it does a Saab. This type of move will not be useful for increased sales, as it sends a somewhat confused message.
5- The prettiest of the electric models : the Nissan ESFLOW
This Franco-Japanese company is not afraid of daring moves. Sometimes, results can be surprising, but this time around these people seem to have struck gold. This ESFLOW model has a superb silhouette and reminds us of the first Z generation model. In addition to being pretty, this vehicle is equipped with an all electric propulsion system. Notice has to be made about sport oriented performances with a 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds, with an autonomy is 240 kilometres. Way to go Nissan!
6- The most spectacular statement : the Lancia
When Fiat took over the American known as Chrysler, most thought that products from Fiat and Lancia would flood the North-American market as Chrysler products. The contrary is what is really happening, as Lancia hosts three American models in its line-up. In this way, the Chrysler 300 becomes the Lancia Thema, the Dodge Grand Caravan becomes the Lancia Grand Voyager and the Chrysler 200 four-door sedan and convertible models are commercialized as the Flavia models. Italian participants in Geneva were somewhat surprised and anxious to see the outcome of such an endeavour.
7- The law of wisdom: Mercedes-Benz
This Stuttgart based company has never been known for its flashy style. Most of the time, their cars are usually a wise evolution based on past models. There have been exceptions, but the rule is always wisdom. Another example of this trait comes with the new C-Class model. Themes from recent models presented are used while the front end is strongly inspired by the magnificent CLS model. As usual, fuel and diesel operated engines share the task of moving the vehicles.
8- The rabbit in the magician’s hat : the Mazda Minagi
The people from Mazda enjoy surprises. While people were wondering about the lack of new models, the leaders of this firm came up with a fine surprise by unveiling their Minagi concept vehicle. This elegant compact SUV should theoretically replace the Tribute. This represents the first concrete application of the KODO philosophy and motorization will go the SKYACTIV way for the next few years. An end product called the CX-5 will be unveiled in Frankfurt in the fall and should be put up for sale by the spring of 2012.
9- Back to sources : the Giugiaro
This famous designer started his career by designing the first Volkswagen Golf. At the time, the engineer in charge of mechanical engineering was none other than Ferdinand Piech. Both men remained good friends and it was no surprise to learn that the German giant has recently acquired the Italdesign Guigiaro company. For thee people at Giugiaro, it is somewhat of a come-back to sources. The first results of this collaboration were revealed at the Palexpo, with the presentation of a coupe by the name of Tex and a mini mono-space called the Go !
10- The ghost car : the Golf Cabrio
It’s with plenty of bazzaz that this German manufacturer revealed its new Golf Cabrio model. This elegant convertible has all it takes to seduce those into that type of vehicle. Furthermore, we have been told that the pleasure of driving this vehicle equals the one felt in three and five-door models. However, for us North Americans, this car will be more like a ghost, since this convertible will not be coming to America. The reason for this is quite simple: Volkswagen already proposes the Eos model, while the recent version of the New Beetle will also offer a convertible. As our neighbours to the south like to say, a duo is fine but triplets are not really necessary. The Golf thus had to be abandoned.
There are several other models that could be included into this arbitrary list which is quite short. These were the models we found the most interesting. It should also be noted that Toyota has unveiled several vehicles in a world premiere, which are the hybrid Yaris and the Prius+.
What remains to be seen at this point is which vehicle will be favoured by the public. A subject for further development at a later date.
