The Geneva Motor Show opens its doors this morning to the motoring press ahead of the public show.
This year’s show is throwing up an almost exhaustive list of greener cars and innovative alternatively-fuelled concepts.
This morning’s press preview is resulting in the release of news about further green car concepts. The Swiss show is proving to be all about the small ‘n’ green this year and has to be the largest display of such cars yet seen in the industry. Even the traditionally gas-guzzling car producers are getting in on the act, with the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin bending to the powerful pull of the green dollar.
With the doors opened this morning, one of the first cars to catch our eye was Citroen’s new SURVOLT concept. The French carmaker released details of its intended display at the show last week, but today the carmakers gives us a greater insight into this new electric car prototype.
With the first pictures release, the SURVOLT looks like a highly desirable, sleek and elegant coupe with a distinctly sporting character. But the new model is more than that; based on the Revolte concept revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009, the new concept is a full electric car and uses the same technology as its sister concept.
Alongside the REVOLTE and SURVOLT concepts, Citroen is also displaying the DS High Rider hybrid concept, details of which we brought to you last month.
The French carmaker is also displaying a new C3 Picasso demonstration model which introduces Citroën’s new environmental signature – e-HDi. This new signature will be worn by production models fitted with innovative technologies such as the new generation of Citroën’s micro-hybrid Stop & Start system. This technology recharges the battery when the car slows down or brakes, reducing fuel consumption and CO2emissions.
This C3 Picasso e-HDi powered by a 1.6HDi engine with an automated manual gearbox fitted, is also fitted with 70 160W photovoltaic cells on its polycarbonate roof, which help recharge the battery – reducing the use of the alternator and saving more fuel. The car also features a higher proportion of ‘green’ materials, at nearly 20 per cent. Ecologically considerate components include the floor mats, seat foam, wheel trims and fuel tank. The brand’s objective in 2011 is to use 20 per cent ‘green’ materials on each of its new models.
Citroen’s version of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is also attracting attention to the brand. Planned for launch in the last quarter of 2010, and a full production reality, Citroën’s new all-electric C-ZERO will offer the same performance as the i-MiEV and should prove a hit particularly with public sector fleets.
With so much going on at the 8Oth edition of the show, TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk will keep bringing the highlights to you throughout the day.
