The Frankfurt Motor Show 2011 which opens on Thursday (September 15) for general public has all the major automotive manufacturers focusing on electric vehicles, hybrid cars and innovation centred around energy savings.
The 64th International Automotive Association meet has more than 900 exhibitors from over 30 countries. During the media preview days of September 13-14, it was clear that there is a clear wave towards electrical vehicles and hybrid cars, as manufacturers believe that these could take centre stage sooner than most people generally expect.
The show has some of the finest next generation cars from major manufacturers, with most of them having special thrust on electric vehicles. These are attracting visitors.
While the show has thousands of vehicles on display, there are nearly 100 electric vehicles, both concept and close to production line.
With all manufacturers looking at bringing down emissions, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Toyota, Citroen, Renault, Seat, Audi, have all on display a wide range of attractive electric cars and other hybrid options. While some may look outlandish, few others are close to what one may like to own. Technologies that address renewable energy, re-geeative energy, the later with stop start technology, is getting popular.
BMW has new concept which is expected to be ready within couple of years, Audi with small electric car, Mercedes Benz with a wde range of models, Toyota, Hyundai, Peugeot with a hybrid plug in and others with several fuel options are thought provoking for visitors.
The interest around new generation cars, particularly electric and hybrids, is growing as many automotive manufacturers see this becoming reality within couple of years, agree all presenters at the show.
Volkswagen
The Volkswagen Group displayed its small car UP! in several avatars, including electric showing how flexible its new innovative platform is. This car is expected to sell in the later part of the year in Europe. At least six different possibilities on UP were displayed, attracting the large gathering of media professionals. The company also displayed a single seat electric urban car Nils, a concept. It has a 34´hp eclectic motor which can be recharged in two hours. The company had a large fleet of 74 vehicles lined up at the show. These include Polo, Golf blue-e motion and Touareg hybrid.