- Title: Electric cars dominate in Geneva Motor Show
- Date: 8th March 2017
- Summary: GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (MARCH 8, 2017) (REUTERS) ENTRY OF MOTOR SHOW CROWD INSIDE PALEXEPO WHERE MOTOR SHOW IS TAKING PLACE
- Embargoed: 22nd March 2017 17:50
- Keywords: car motor Renault technology electric
- Location: GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
- City: GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
- Country: France
- Topics: Company News Markets,Economic Events
- Reuters ID: LVA001673ORIF
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: "Change is happening" at the Geneva auto show as the manufacturers' newest models are revealed, with electric cars proliferating but with luxury still in the race, a motor journalist told Reuters on Wednesday (March 8).
The auto industry is facing seismic changes with the rise of electric vehicles, which along with automated driving and car sharing, are eclipsing even big mergers such as PSA's purchase of Opel in the Geneva event this year.
"Change is happening, it's pretty easy to see it really...you know these are electric cars where previously the concepts would have been, 'Oh, it's a hybrid,' or 'Oh, it's got a massive engine,' or 'It's this turbo tech'. Now people are looking more towards electricity," senior editor of the online video shows Carfection and Roadshow on CNET, Alex Goy told Reuters.
But classic powerful cars are still coming out of the oven, like the Audi RS3 with large front air intakes, massive tailpipes, and a 400-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine.
The Volvo XC60 offers the manufacturer's signature safety technology with a supercharged 320-hp 2.0-liter four engine.
Opel rolled out its Insignia, similar to a Buick, manufactured by previous owner General Motors, who had sold Opel to French car giant PSA. The Insignia has a range of high-tech options, such as active lane keeping, a heads-up display and 360-degree-view cameras.
Lamborghini wowed car lovers with its Huracan, boasting an elegant angular design and a 5.2-liter V-10 engine behind its edgy cockpit.
According to Goy, the luxury car industry does not need to rely on green technology to survive.
"I think there will always be a space for, you know, stuff with big engines and big power and that make noise because there will always be idiots like me out there who really like that kind of stuff. But much like horses and sailing boats, you know, they will become more of a luxury, a luxury item for people that can afford them and want to enjoy them," he said.
The Geneva auto show opens its doors to the public on Thursday (March 9) and lasts until March 19. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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