mini John Cooper, Geneva Motor Show 2009

Geneva, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – The Geneva Motor Show is normally one of the liveliest annual events in the region, with huge media coverage from around the world and snazzy new cars making even the least car-oriented people wonder if maybe a new red Alpha Romeo isn’t just what’s needed at home. Or a smaller red mini John Cooper convertible.

This year, the organizers say they are pleased to see all major manufacturers at the show despite the gloomy economic and industry news, but the pizazz of recent years is missing. The focus is a politically correct green.

The 10,000 journalists covering the show sound sensible rather than over-the-top enthusiastic about what they see.

The road to the Geneva airport, next to Palexpo, is normally a nightmare during the show, but on opening day, 5 March, traffic flowed relatively smoothly, thanks in part to better parking arrangements. Friday the parking lots were filled early in the day, but traffic was not the major problem it has been some years, although around noon, reports the Tribune de Geneve, a Palexpo shuttle bus and car collided, injuring seven people. Tip: take the train to the car show, with special public transport offers.

The show was off to a sombre start Thursday, with auditors for General Motors in the US saying the company may not be viable. The company’s shares slid 17% in New York trading Thursday, after Deloitte & Touche released their statement.

In Geneva, 130 models from all the world’s major manufacturers are on display for the public, with the organizers saying they expect 700,000 people (Ed. note: The car show’s web site offers entertainment for those who want to stay at home, starting with great premieres in Geneva since 1905).

Major international media and specialist auto industry journalists are focusing on the green angle, which is this year’s theme for the show.

A selection of early media coverage:

AsiaOne Motoring, “Geneva: little enthusiasm seen for industry consolidation”

Reuters, “Hybrid-electrics amid tough times at Geneva Motor Show”

BBC, “Budget Aston car takes on Porsche”

CNN, “BMW aims to sell more engines to automakers”

CNN tells us the electric car is not just around the corner:

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