The 80th Geneva International Motor Show: The “future” becomes the “present” in Geneva!

The 80th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show, which runs from March 4-14, 2010, will focus once again on what is new and on what is evolving. Some 100 World and European Premiers in the sector of private vehicles will be presented. There will be a clear trend toward more and more ecologically friendly automobiles. For example 16 Premiers will be for electric or alternatively powered vehicles. In the Green Pavilion the “concept “cars will be more visionary than ever. The suppliers, equipment specialists, and other exhibitors will also unveil some 40 Premiers of their own. Visitors will find many exciting attractions both inside and outside the halls of GENEVA PALEXPO.

Mr. Luc Argand, President of the Geneva International Motor Show, has affirmed that « We will be offering visitors and the media an 80th edition with the full participation of all the major automobile manufacturers. This is an important sign of confidence following the financial crisis that has impacted the global economy.” Mr. Rolf Studer, Director General proclaimed that “250 exhibitors from 30 countries representing 700 marques will be there. They will completely cover the 78,000 square metres of exhibition space available and there are still requests for more space.” In light of the particular attractiveness of this edition, the organisers are expecting between 650,000 and 700,000 visitors during the eleven days that the Show will be open to the public.

Approximately 10,000 media representatives from all over the world will make the voyage to Geneva. A very intensive programme of 65 press conferences is scheduled for the 1^st press day on Tuesday, March 2, 2010. All the press conferences will be filmed in “broadcast” quality and can be downloaded free from the official website www.salon-auto.ch (inscription required).

On Thursday, March 4, 2010, the Geneva International Motor Show will be officially inaugurated by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Mrs. Doris Leuthard, Mr. Francois Longchamp, the President of the State Council of Geneva, and Mr. Luc Argand, President of the Geneva International Motor Show. They will be joined by numerous personalities from the worlds of politics, economics, and industry.

There will be five exhibitors who will be presenting for the first time in Geneva, including the Bufori Motor Car Company of Malaysia, and the return of the venerable marque Hispano-Suiza is a cause for celebration.

Several of the World Premiers have already been previewed and have won the hearts of their fans, including the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the Audi A1, the Mini Countryman, the new Opel Meriva, the Porsche Cayenne, the Renault Wind, and the new generations of Sharan and Touareg from VW.

Finally, six of the marques exhibiting have been present for all 80 of the editions. Mr. Rolf Studer has stated: “We sincerely thank the constructors Bentley, Citroen, Fiat, Lancia, Peugeot, and Renault for their loyalty.”

You can prepare for your visit to the Show, buy your entry ticket online, and even win a new car by going right away to the official website www.salon-auto.ch , which is continuously updated.

Geneva, February 17, 2010 (approx. 3’300 characters including spaces)