2009 Geneva Motor Show Trends
The lights have gone dim at Palexpo for another year, and the road ahead in the automotive industry seems foggy to say the least. Here are some of the current musings to watch in an industry gone wild.
By now, most of us have heard how sales shifted in the past few years from high of 17 million units to today’s reality of 9 million units annually. With this in mind, General Motors is under tremendous pressure to reduce their brand footprint and shed over-production capacity around the world. By eliminating Saab, Saturn and Hummer, GM hopes to move forward as a lean, tough-minded, production team. But once these cuts have been made, how do you convince consumers to walk into a General Motors showroom and not have them wonder if perhaps the brand they are thinking of buying, is next on the list to be cut should General Motors need to do more to survive?
Chrysler North America is making all sorts of noise about pulling production completely out of Canada, shutting down the world-class Brampton facility, among others. The exclusive manufacturing facility for the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger, a move to the U.S. would big news on both sides of the border. Of course, it could just be sabre rattling to make the unions acquiesce on hourly wages, but the change in geography for the auto industry would be significant.
While all this is going on, parts suppliers to the industry have been calling for help as they struggle with reduced prices, over-capacity and finances in the same way as the automakers. Hearing their pleas, the U.S. Treasury has ridden to the rescue with a 5 Billion dollar package that will help pay the bills regardless of what happens to automakers considering bankruptcy. This is good news! But it underlines the problems ahead are much bigger than just fixing GM and Chrysler. Without a stable parts industry, all other manufacturers, especially Ford Motor Company, face an uncertain future as each new day brings news of change.
In Germany, Opel, a company responsible for much of the development of GM’s midsize cars, wants help from the German government and the option to at least consider breaking ties with General Motors. Opel in Europe is an icon, one that we don’t understand in North America. It is as inherent to the fabric of Germany as Chevrolet is to the American way of life. What would General Motors look like without Opel as a key member, no one knows? But don’t be surprised to see significant changes if the split happens.
With this as the backdrop, the 2009 Geneva Motor Show was a prime proving ground for what’s new in the automotive industry. Here are just a few of the trends we see going forward.
Efficiency starts at the pump
Hybrids are here to stay. Love em or hate em, the technology has a grasp on the consumer and it doesn’t have any intention of letting go.
The 2009 Geneva Motor Show revealed hybrids in all forms of automobiles. From the luxurious 2010 Lexus RX 450h to the next generation Toyota Prius, the desire to save fuel and the environment is instilled in the collective psyche. What was unique in Geneva was the thought of taking hybrids to places unknown. The Citroen C4 WRC Hybrid 4 is a sharp reminder that, done right, hybrids have the capacity to enjoy success on the race track and not just as a commuter vehicle.
All-electric vehicles are close to being ready for prime time. Many of us have heard of the new Chevrolet Volt as the answer for our future. But other carmakers are getting on board with the idea and may even be better prepared for getting to market sooner rather than later.
The Mitsubishi I MiEV is an extended-range electric vehicle with quick-charging lithium-ion battery pack. Luxury sedans showing their wares included the Opel Ampera concept and Dodge 200 EV first sighted at the NAIAS in Detroit earlier this year.
Power still wins the race
At the other end of the spectrum, numerous luxury automakers introduced a bevy of behemoths ready to blister tires and scar asphalt with the simple press of the accelerator pedal. Porsche wowed with its new 911 GT3 in, what else, red. Bentley caused a stir with a gleaming white Continental Supersports, an extreme FlexFuel coupe. Lamborghini stopped all in their tracks with the brilliant yellow 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV. Ferrari stepped up and showcased a 700 bhp 2010 599 FXX. But Aston Martin nearly stole the show with not one, but four vehicles on display at Geneva.
The Aston Martin DBS Volante and V-12 Vantage brought instant presence to the stand. Both show a strong trend in the industry to provide big, fast cars for the few who can still afford them. And no, not all work for AIG.
Additional highlights came with the unveiling of the Aston Martin One-77, featuring a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and 700 horsepower. Plus, on day two, they took the wraps of an Aston Martin Lagonda Concept, showcasing an old name reborn in the form of a crossover for the 21st Century.
Summary
The 2009 Geneva Motor Show proved itself once again as a premier event on the worldwide auto show circuit. The industry is in a state of flux. For the most part, that’s a good thing. While some car companies are destined to fail and the resulting job losses will be painful, the future of cars, trucks and SUVs is bright! Clean-burning, fuel-efficient with the possibility of fast-driving, are what many of us want in our automobiles. Geneva proved that car companies are, for the most part, on the right track. Next up is the New York Auto Show in April. We’ll be there with all the coverage you expect.
