The Geneva International Motor Show – held in the Palexpo convention center located close to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport kicks off for a 10-day run, starting on March 7 this year.
Automakers will be rolling out new electric and hybrid models at the show as they get ready to meet tougher emissions requirements in Europe – but they are not forgetting the profitable and popular SUVs and SUV-like crossovers. The show expects over 660,000 visitors and offerings of around 900 vehicles from 150 automotive companies.
All this is being held against a backdrop of slowing sales in the world’s biggest auto market, China, and the U.S.-China trade dispute. There is also the possible chaotic departure of Britain from the European Union, with some companies already working out plans for using alternative routes for shipping to avoid the Dover Port.
We can also add disruptive new technologies such as autonomous driving and smartphone-based services that allow consumers to use a car without ownership, reports the Associated Press. The automotive industry biggest pressure will be on meeting the new European emissions standards’ In both cases, automakers are sinking billions in investment into areas that don’t yet bring them big sales volumes and profits.
Going Electric
Even though not too many battery-driven cars are seen on our highways today, in the months and years ahead, they will be much in evidence at the Geneva show. The big reason has to do with the tough new limits on CO2 emissions imposed by the European Union. They take affect starting in 2021 and get even tougher in 2025 and 2030.
Diesel powered vehicles have gone out of favor since Volkswagen’s 2015 scandal over cars with software that let them cheat on emissions tests. Analysts are saying that this is more reason for electric cars filling in the gap. But even so, consumers are still leery of buying an EV because of the higher prices and concerns over limited mileage between charges.
Visitors to the show will see Honda’s compact electric vehicle prototype, an answer to urban commuters in the European market. While being non-descript, it has been given a somewhat ” human face.” It will have an approximate 124-mile range and a fast-charging functionality good for 80 percent battery charge in 30 minutes.
Volvo’s all-electric Polestar 2 – a four-door compact featuring all-wheel-drive, along two electric motors with a promised zero to 60 acceleration in under five seconds is intended to compete with the Tesla Model 3. Volvo advertises the car will have a range of 500 kilometers under the European range test (275 miles under the different U.S. standard).
Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz will be showcasing the new CLA Shooting Brake and, for the first time, the Concept EQV and the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC. Also on display to the public for the first time will be the Formula E show car and the smart forease+. While the new V-Class will celebrate its show premiere.
While the show will present all the new electric cars coming on the market, there will still be plenty of the less climate-friendly SUVs that are such hot sellers around the world. Volkswagen Group’s Skoda will show off the Kamiq crossover SUV with 95, 115 and 150 horsepower gasoline engines as well as a four-cylinder diesel version.
High-end automotive dealers
Of course, high-end companies, like McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin will be showing off their latest models this year, with prices starting at several hundred thousands of dollars. Even if some of us can’t afford them, it is a treat to look and wish.
Volkswagen Group’s Lamborghini is no exception to showing off luxury. The convertible Huracan EVO Spyder – a low-slung machine that goes from 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in 3.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 325 kph (202 mph) will be on display. Suggested retail prices start at 202,437 euros in Europe and $287,400 in the U.S., not including tax.
