Despite fears over the global economy, most car manufacturers show their optimism at the IAA. The hybrid and electric models are increasing, the small city too. The Volkswagen NILS, a 100% electric car which gives a foretaste of the future design of cities.
Electric, futuristic, ambitious … The 64th Motor Show in Frankfurt opens its doors to the public this Saturday, and closed again on September 25. Manufacturers exhibit their new models and concept cars, with a beautiful hand made to the electric and hybrid, and small city cars. More than 1000 exhibitors from 32 countries have registered an increase of over 25% on the previous edition in 2009. Its area will reach 235,000 square meters, or 20% more than in 2009, slightly more than the record set in 2007.And almost all manufacturers take advantage of already to show optimism in the face of economic gloom room.
"We believe that our product can cope with the equivalent models from our competitors, whether Volkswagen or another," said General Motors, parent company of the Volkswagen and Opel. The boss of that, Karl-Friedrich Stracke, has also repeated his "optimistic" at the opening of the exhibition. "I am confident things are going pretty well, it was a good month of August and for the moment September starts successfully," he also said the number two of Renault, Carlos Tavares. And the sound of a bell is the same side of Ford, which has just claim to be "comfortable with [his] annual sales forecast."
A market that is emerging through
The only downsides seem to come on the side of PSA, in whom we are preparing "hard times".Or Swedish Saab, on the edge of bankruptcy, which prevents course of the show.
"The clouds are gathering on the horizon but for now many manufacturers inscribe one of the best years of their history, especially the Germans," says Stefan Bratzel, professor of Central Motor Bergisch Gladbach.
Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW have started 2011 on the same top speed, good advantage of their position in the Chinese market.
The major rating agencies begin yet to review the perspectives on the decline. Moody's table, for example on a global automotive market growth of 3.5% in 2011 against 5.1% previously and 6.5% against 7.4% in 2012. The sector faces difficulties in markets like Europe and the United States, where growth is lowered, and Japan, shaken by the disaster of March 11.It benefits, however, continued strong demand from emerging countries, especially China.
But "you come to levels last two or three months" in China, India or Brazil, informs Yann Lacroix, head of studies in the credit insurer Euler Hermes.
The manufacturers keep the green cap
Therefore the exhibitors intend to package on new trends that could support demand. The 2011 Frankfurt promises 89 world premieres on the part of manufacturers, including 45 Germans. And they already intend to draw the car of the future.
Fashion is of course the car green. BMW, for example, focuses on the power with two prototypes of its new range BMWi, which should allow it to break into this market. The group plans to market the same BMW i3, its first production car 100% electric motor, in 2013.The BMW i8, a hybrid vehicle curves supposed to meet futuristic performance of a sports car and the emission level of a small model will be sold starting in 2014.
Toyota, a pioneer in the field of hybrid, will expand its range with a plug-in hybrid Prius, with a more powerful battery. It will work in "all electric" hybrid in town and for longer trips.
In the high-end, India's Tata Motors also has a prototype hybrid Jaguar Sports, the C-X16. The manufacturer hopes to end the British brand of luxury motor of growth. And it also starts pretty well. Over 80% of $ 2.04 billion profit recorded by Tata Motors in the year 2010-2011 came from its subsidiary, Jaguar, Land Rover, bought in 2008 at the American Ford Motor.
French side, Renault unveiled the concept of electric Frendzy, a five-door vehicle midway between the family car and the utility. Peugeot also comes with a hybrid version of its off-road sedan 508, 508 RXH, which will be in dealerships in 2012.
The small city in the spotlight
The other major trend celebrates urban and small cars. Even the Germans are known for their big sedans expensive, rely on the niche. Volkswagen will present the example mini-electric city car Up!. Replacing the Fox, the four seats of 3.54 meters in length is the next generation of small cars of the brand, destined for Europe but also emerging markets.
Audi is also focusing on this niche, with its Urban concept, an electric two-seater designed for large cities, along 3.20 m and 1.70 m wideThe Smart Forvision also Fortwo prototype of the future, is a small green car of the most anticipated show.
French side, the ads most watched are those of Renault. The diamond brand, criticized the current poverty of its offer, presents its new Twingo (not electric). This version of the small city will be the first to display the new stylistic identity printed by Laurens van den Acker, director of design in office since 2009. It will be produced in Slovenia.
Builders and all their models are waiting 800,000 visitors during the 2011 edition. A conservative, since that figure was surpassed two years ago.