First appointment of a European year looks bleak on the continent, the Swiss exhibition has expanded this year to accommodate not less than 900 vehicles, including 130 in the world premiere and Europe.
The stands will be heavily loaded with premium urban city and 4X4 lines recognizable, one of the few pockets of growth in a European market expected again this year decreased by 3 to 5%. And most manufacturers are flocking to this market, but at the risk of saturating.
"Everyone gets on it because it is a high-volume segment," commented François Roudier, spokesman of the Committee of French Automobile Manufacturers (CCFA). "Besides the low cost that has found its place in the small car manufacturers are trying to attract new consumers, or those whose tastes have changed, a growing number of people living in the city or in the suburbs looking for models more fun, more personalized and more value. '
Riding on the success of Nissan Juke or multiple versions of the BMW Group's Mini or the latest Fiat 500, Renault Captur present his version of the last raised Clio, Peugeot's 2008, derived from the 208 and 3008, Ford its EcoSport crossover and Kia one "urban concept car" three doors. Citroen will present its side of the DS3 Cabrio, the marketing has begun.
All target a young and urban style attracted more muscular and staff, but also by a template remaining conducive to traffic and parking in the city.
This segment has seen its market share jump 23% in Europe in 2012 to 16% of new registrations, at the expense of small vans and small breaks.
"As always, the market may in turn become a killer," adds François Roudier. "Small cars are a segment where ultraconcurrentiel discounts can lower margins. But the world is changing, and manufacturers must renew s' they want to survive. "
A chinese two picasso and twelve cylinder
Between two appointments automotive Rising Star, Detroit and Shanghai, the Geneva Motor Show will continue to exist to play the card of the environment, luxury and internationally with many exhibitors and visitors from Asia.
A newcomer, Chinese Qoros, chose the 83rd edition of the Swiss debut in Europe. The brand will introduce a compact car and two "concept car" foreshadowing his ambitions on the old continent.
Citroën model will also herald the new C4 Picasso, which illustrate the repositioning of the brand to the rafters on a segment less upscale than the DS line. True to its tradition, Geneva meet as many models newly launched or being marketed as the restyling of the sedan and C3 Picasso or Renault Kangoo.
And if the show will also open the ecological map, with 10% of cars on display claiming emissions less than or equal to 100 grams of CO2 per kilometer by reducing displacements and hybrid or electric engine, the appointment is Swiss also one of the most luxurious in the world.
We can therefore admire a dragster twelve-cylinder Lamborghini or Aston Martin bodied by Bertone and produced in a single copy. Some 10,000 reporters are expected during the two press days, Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by 700,000 visitors from 7 to 17 March.
