16 March 2010

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The Paris Motor Show 2008

Steeped in history and with the highest attendance of any motor show worldwide, the Paris Motor Show is a must-see event for any staunch motoring enthusiasts. The 2008 Paris Motor Show promises to showcase even more innovations, more breathtaking exhibitions and will place the emphasis on green cars more than ever before.

This guide to the Paris Motor Show will tell you a little about its history and what to expect from this year’s event.

History of the Paris Motor Show

The Paris Motor Show is a bi-annual event held in the French capital. It is known as the first motor show in the world, having been established by industry pioneer Albert De Dion in 1898.

The first event took place on the terrace of the Tuilleries Gardens with visitors to the event having to prove their devotion to cars by driving from Versailles to Paris before the show. The President who opened the show expressed scepticism about the future of the automobile – oh how times have changed.

In 1900 the show became a complete exhibition for everything related to transport – from cars to bicycles and harnesses. The next two shows however, returned the Paris Motor Show to normal service with the focus placed firmly on automobiles.

The period 1931-1936 saw the Paris Motor Show display innovations such as independent front wheels, front traction and new models from the likes of Peugeot and Citroen. The last motor show before the Second World War took place in 1938 and showcased models like the Bugatti T52, the Peugeot 202 and the Citroen 15 Six.

The Paris Motor Show returned after the war with few new showcases, but by 1948 normal service was resumed with the Renault 4CV, Ford Vedete and Peugeot 205 taking centre stage.

In 1986 the show was briefly known as Salon de l’Auto, before taking the name Mondial de l’Automobile in 1988.

Paris Motor Show in the new millennium

In recent years, the Paris Motor Show has been a showcase for some of the leading car manufacturers to introduce brand new models to the world. In 2004 for example, the Audi A4, the Honda Jazz, the Mazda 5, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Peugeot 907 and the Porsche 911 Carrera were among those making their debut.

At the last Paris Motor Show in 2006, new models included the Audi R8, the Citroen C4 Picasso, the Dodge Avenger, Honda CR-V, Lancia Delta, Land Rover Freelander, Lexus LS600h, MINI Cooper and Cooper S, Renault Twingo, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris TS and the Volkswagen Iroc concept.

What to expect from the Paris Motor Show in 2008

Here is a list of vehicles set to be introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 2008:

Aston Martin One-77
Audi S4 B8
BMW 3-series E90 mid-life facelift
BMW 7-Series F01
BMW X1
Chevrolet Cruze
Citroën C3 Mk II and C3 Picasso
Ferrari California
Ford Ka Mk II
Hyundai i20
Kia Soul
Mazda 1
Nissan GT-R V-Spec
Opel Astra Mk IV
Opel Insignia
Renault Laguna III Coupe
Renault Mégane Mk III
Peugeot 308 CC
Peugeot 407 restylee
Peugeot 608
Škoda Yeti
Suzuki Alto
Toyota Avensis
Toyota iQ
Toyota Urban Cruiser
Volkswagen Golf Mk 6
Volkswagen up!

Among these vehicles there are several green cars as manufacturers attempt to satisfy demand for lower emission vehicles with better fuel consumption levels.

For example, the Hyundai i20 is the replacement for the Hyundai Getz and is set to compete for market share with the Vauxhall Corsa and the Volkswagen Polo. It will produce under 119g/km of carbon dioxide (CO2) placing it in tax band B in the UK.

The Suzuki Alto is based on the Suzuki A-Star Concept and was conceived as a response to global warming. The vehicle’s emissions will be a meagre 109g/km of CO2.

The Toyota iQ is the latest green car development from the Japanese manufacturer and features a glass panoramic roof, with the emphasis firmly placed on environmental friendliness and low fuel consumption. It will go on sale in the UK from spring 2009. Its CO2 emissions are a meagre 99g/km.

The Volkswagen up! first appeared at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007. It has unique central displays including a monitor for CO2 emissions, as well as fuel level and range.

If you’d like to be among the first to see these vehicles then check out the 2008 Paris Motor Show, which runs from October 04-19. For ticketing information, visit the official Paris Motor Show website.

Author: Lee Sibbald, September 10, 2008

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