Geneva International Motor Show 2017 (1): Mercedes-Benz, VW, Audi, and Porsche
E Class coupe, VW ARTEON, Audi Q8 concept, and other unveilings
2017/05/01
- Summary
- Overview of the show
- Mercedes-Benz: Full line-up of models derived from core E-Class
- VW: Unveiling the new Arteon 5-door Sports Coupe for the first time
- Audi: Q8 large SUV concept vehicle debuts
- Porsche: Panamera Sport Turismo, PHV, and other debuts
Summary
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In recent years, Europe has suffered from heavy rain and snowfall due to climate change. Although the distant Mont Blanc is also covered with snow this spring, conditions stabilized and there were a few days of fine weather. There were many tourists at Lake Leman, which is dotted with first-class hotels, and as always the Jet d'Eau fountain added to the elegant scenery.
The 87th Geneva International Motor Show was held with great pomp at an easily accessible venue about 10 minutes from the Geneve-Cornavin Railway Station by train and 20 minutes by bus. At the exhibition hall, high-quality vehicle from around the world jockeyed for attention. The exhibition was staged with countless blinding lights suspended from the ceiling, and its scale exceeded an ordinary year, with 250 companies (parts and repair equipment producers included) participating and more than 200 vehicles on display. The vibrant exhibition had more than 700,000 visitors. Nearly 20 years have passed since the renowned Turin Auto Show was discontinued, so many Italian gearheads attended the exhibition, and the show floor buzzed with their conversations.
Although Europe is facing politically troubling issues including the inflow of refugees since last year, challenges to the unity of the E.U. a sense on the part of free traders that they are on the defense, and elections in major European countries, economic conditions continue to be favorable and the automobile market is booming. According to the ACEA (the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association), the number of new car registrations in 2016 for Europe overall was 15,130,000 vehicles for a year-over-year increase of 6.5%, growing for the 3rd consecutive year. The number of vehicles sold by each automobile company with the exception of Volkswagen (VW) and Citroen of the Peugeot Citroen Group (PSA Group) also exceeded the previous year's performance (Refer to Marklines statistical data for details).
Global alliances in the automotive industry such as the purchase of Opel by the PSA Group； joint development collaboration between VW and the Tata Group； the capital tie-up between the Renault-Nissan alliance and Mitsubishi Motors; the establishment of a collaborative relationship of Toyota between Suzuki and Mazda, as well as Daihatsu and Hino of the Toyota Group; are on the rise. These events formed the background under which the Geneva Show was held, and the following report will detail exhibitions from the show floor.
Related Reports: Geneva International Motor Show 2016
(Part 1) PHVs and connected cars, Mercedes-Benz, VW, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, and more (Apr. 2016)
(Part 2) FIAT, SKODA, and SEAT, Jaguar, PSA, and more (Apr. 2016)
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