cars - Paris
Eco-friendly cars are darlings of the Paris Motor Show
Thursday 02 October 2008
In a climate of consumer panic and skyrocketing petrol prices, four-wheel-drives are not displayed predominantly at the Paris Motor Show. This year, large-cylinder, hybrid and electric cars have been given pride of place.
Thursday 02 October 2008
By Julien Peyron (text) / Louis Messie (video)The Paris Motor Show is open to the public from October 4-19 at the Parc des exposition, located at the Porte de Versailles in Paris.
Watch our special reports on eco-friendly cars:
Green drivers saying goodbye to gas stations
GM bets on the Volt
The world's oldest auto convention, the Paris Motor Show, went green this year.
After seeing a steady increase in sales the last few years, the auto industry suffered from stagnating demand in 2008. In these trying times, the auto manufacturers have responded to their customers' new concerns: rising fuel prices and environmental damage.
The 90 new models on display at this year's Paris Auto show include a splash of hybrids and electric cars. Renault was the belle of the ball, with its "Ze Concept Zero Emission Vehicle."
 |
| The "Zero Emission Vehicle" from Renault (Photo : FRANCE 24) |
But Renault is really relying on its new Mégane and Laguna Coupé to jump-start sales.
 |
| The new Mégane from Renault (Photo : FRANCE 24) |
PSA Peugeot Citroën - Europe's second largest auto manufacturer -released Prologuen and a diesel-electric hybrid Hymnos.
 |
| The Citroën Hypnos (Photo : FRANCE 24) |
Responding to the ever-changing auto regulations, such as "safety bonus" incentives in France, most manufacturers gave prioirty to compact cars like the Smart electric car, the Toyota IQ and the new Ford Ka.
 |
| Le stand Smart "Electric Drive" (Photo : FRANCE 24) |
US manufactuerurs, delegated to a side room, also went eco-friendly. GM made its first European unveiling of the Volt, a car run on an electric motor. Lexus presented a futuristic hybrid. The Cadillac insisted on showing a four-wheel drive, but its Escalade is a hybrid model.
 |
| Lexus concept car(Photo : FRANCE 24) |
Tough luck for those not keeping up with the times: the displays for Jeep and the notorious Hummer were all but deserted.
 |
| Hummer and Jeep, wallflowers (Photo : FRANCE 24) |
With the spotlight on new technology, one almost overlooks the great classics at the high end. Maranello's latest creation, the Ferrari California, nonethelss wowed wealthy aficionadoes of red cars.
 |
| La Ferrari California (photo : FRANCE 24) |
A bonus for car fans: Citroën and Hermès team up to wish a happy birthday to the mythical 2CV model.
 |
| The 2 CV from Citroën celebrates its 60th birthday (Photo : FRANCE 24) |
-
PARIS MOTOR SHOW OPENS
Report by N. De Labareyre and L. Shrago
Vidéo
Pour aller plus loin
03/10/2008 21:15:52 Alert a moderator
Eco-Friendly Concepts
By Anonyme - The US
I think that it's about time that all car companies start focusing on making enviornmentally friendly cars more than just a concept, and have them be able to seel them at an affordable price to the public. Yes, I know, many car companies have started this smart tactic, but I want to see the car industry taking a more severe turn into the world of electric and enviornmentally friendly cars.