The 67th Annual Geneva Car Show

The 67th Annual Geneva Car Show - 1997

by Paul Negyesi

67. Salon international de l'Auto & Accessoires

Genéve 6-16 Mars, 1997

This year the Geneva show didn't bring as many exciting world premiers as in the past years. The A-class from Mercedes, the surprising debut of two marketing-stunt Mini prototypes, revamped Peugeot 306, Lamborghini-Gigliato arrangement and the Japanese small car introductions could be mentioned. The biggest news happened behind the curtain: Volkswagen's decision to fight Mercedes on every field: from small cars to luxury model, Maserati's control being given to Ferrari.

Funny moments included the ugly Suzuki Wagon R+ "Country" with wood parts, very far resembling a woody. Staying at the Wagon R+: one of the demo cars was fitted with sports seats which prevented proper gearchange! The Japanese and Korean executives bravely fought with the English language and all of them included in his speech: "We're very concerned about the safety of our products". When Hyundai, Suzuki and Daihatsu directors repeated this sentence it became a tad absurd - although it's probably true.

Di Capua, the managing director held his speech with Latin temper: wide gestures and tapped the back of the Gigliato boss, Nakamura - saying "he's a very good friend of mine". The Japanese smiled - I doubt he understood any English :-)

The Mini prototypes were withdrawn for the public days! I wonder whether they had enough responses or were afraid of the responses? The Mercedes A-class was surrounded by small A-class-headed pins so "look, but don't touch".

Internet - was the buzz word. The organizers and nearly every manufacturer showed their Internet presentations. But I found only Volvo brave enough to put cameras on its booth and feature live coverage of the show.

After these bits pick an exhibitor:

AC Schnitzer, Alfa Romeo, Alpina, Audax, Audi, Berard, Bertone, BMW, Brabus, Caterham, Chrysler, Citroën, Daewoo, Daihatsu, DeTomaso, DigitPower, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, General Motors USA Gigliato, Heuliez, Honda, Hyundai, Irmscher, ItalDesign, IVM Engineering, Jaguar, Jimenez Novia Karmann, Kia, Lamborghini, Lancia, Lorinser, Lotus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes, Michalak, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Pininfarina, Porsche, Proton, Puch, Renault, Rinspeed, Rolls-Royce/Bentley, Rover/Land Rover/MG/Mini, Saab, Sbarro, Seat, Skoda, Spectre, SsangYong, Strosek, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Valmet, Venturi, Volkswagen, Volvo.