I have now done several Geneva shows and they just seem to get better and better. Or at least the cars do, but the presence of non-journalistic visitors including children on press days is still a huge nuisance. These two days are for just that, the press, who have to cover the show for the respective media outlets, editors, publishers or bosses, and when kids run in front of you while you are trying to work, it is massively annoying (I normally like kids though, I must add).
However, nuisances aside, the Geneva show is a well-run event and a favourite with journos and snappers alike. Some manufacturers hold pre-show launches at hotels around the city and this gives the press a bit of a heads-up on what to expect the next day at the show, to give journalists the opportunity to get reports into the press before the show itself. This year, yours truly witnessed the unveiling of the new Kia Picanto (European Premiere) and the Kia Rio (World Premiere), both of which are destined for great things if the manufacturer is to be believed. But seriously, the Picanto, which has always been a favourite of mine, looks to be a mature, well thought-out city car while the Rio is also certain to be a strong market contender.
It was good to see some old manufacturers back at Geneva. The AC is largely unchanged in design and is still a much loved model, but the De Tomaso is a big unknown. This latter manufacturer is perhaps best known for its Pantera supercar which hit the streets in 1971, and rumour has it that a new supercar may make an appearance later in the year, but their latest Sport Tourer cannot be described as beautiful.
A full show report will be posted on Vehicle Engineer shortly. That’s a wrap for this issue… Happy motoring!
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