‘Clean cars’ to shine at International Motor Show at Frankfurt
Agence France-Presse, Frankfurt, Sept 9, 2007
Source: inquirer.net
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/
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Cleaner cars are set to shine at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week, as pressure builds on automakers to make environmental protection a priority. Hybrid engines that save energy and run on biofuels or hydrogen, or cars that turn off when stopped to trim consumption and CO2 emissions, are among the responses being offered as more than 1,000 exhibitors from some 40 countries display their wares.
In addition to growing interest in fuel-efficient cars owing to higher gas prices, the European Commission wants to force automakers to cut CO2 emissions from 2012 to 120 grams per kilometer from around 160 at present. “We accept the challenge posed by the global warming debate,” said Matthias Wissmann, president of the German Automobile Federation VDA which organizes the show.
The Frankfurt Motor Show, in its 62nd year, has even changed its traditional slogan of “Auto Fascination” to “See What Will Move Your Future.” Visitors will fill their own tanks at the “Biofuel Bar” or get in-the-street lessons on how to consume less gas with the cars they already own.
Among carmakers, German luxury sports car Porsche is to roll out a hybrid version of its Cayenne sports utility vehicle while steadfastly rejecting diesel engines. Other German exhibitors include DaimlerChrysler, which is to unveil its tiny Smart car equipped with a stop-and-start system that cuts the motor at traffic lights, while its Mercedes brand is to storm the show with 18 “clean cars.” Volkswagen will present six of its own, and Opel has an electric model ready to show.
Among French automakers, Peugeot is pushing the green credentials of its 308 passenger car, which will make its global debut in Frankfurt. Citroen has prepared the C4 BioFlex, a mid-range hatchback coupe equipped with a biofuel engine.
Environmental considerations are well represented even among audacious “concept cars” such as General Motors’ GM Volt, designed with a hybrid engine, or the C5 Airspace convertible by Citroen, which has stop-and-start technology.
Japanese automakers are showing futuristic vehicles of their own, including the small all-wheel-drive Concept-cx from Mitsubishi or the Suzuki Kizashi, which looks like it comes straight out of a comic strip.
It remains to be seen, however, if the public will buy the new technology, since a “clean” car costs 2,000 euros ($2,750) more on average than classic models.
Meanwhile, although four-wheel-drive monsters are to adopt a lower profile at the show, Mercedes will showcase the SLR MacLaren roadster for those who love wheels that roar. At around 500,000 euros, it is billed as the most expensive new model on exhibition.
Not to be outdone, Ferrari will show the 430 Scuderia inspired by its stable of Formula 1 cars, with seven-time German world champion Michael Schumacher making the presentations.
James Bond fans will admire the latest Aston Martin which appeared in the film “Casino Royale.” And for fans of the iconic communist-era German Trabant, the model maker Herpa is presenting a design to bring the “Trabbi” back.
In all, 260 new cars, including 88 world premieres, have been announced for the show, which is open to the public from September 13-23.