Jaguar XF	Volkswagen Tiguan

For ten days, from13th to 23rd September, Francfort will become the greatest scenario of the motoring world.  As every two years, the German city receives a wide variety of vehicles that seem to have astounded everyone this year.

Almost every builder seems to adopt the same formula: the more variety of vehicles, the more number of clients. A show of such number and diversity of designs had not been seen in a long while. Besides a lot of these prototypes are only missing one final touch to be out on the street.

As many other times, every brand agreed on one point: the decrease in pollutant emissions. Unlike those moments when people talked about remote and expensive technologies, apparently now it will be a reliable subject. Every season, fuel related technologies adding up. That is why it is no surprise to see concepts or models with electric engines, as well as the hydrogen ones (a fleet of BMW Hydrogen 7 can be seen on the streets of the exhibition center) or the bioetanol, biodiesel, natural gas, including the flex ones that may combine many types of feeding. There is a little bit of everything but it seems not to be enough.  At least, neither time, nor development is the adequate to let those new options set up at a global level. The most common fuel is the one derived from oil. That is why the brand engineers are constantly searching to reduce the emissions of pollutant gas with the same conventional engines.  This is suggested by the environmental regulations Euro 4, applicable and impassable in this country. In a short time, the new regulation Euro 5 will be ready and the parameters will be more enclosed.

At this moment, the emission of carbon dioxide is established in no more than 150 grams per km. We must be careful because in 2012 this limit will drop to 130 grams per km. This equation rules in each stand with the commercial name that every firm chose.

THE CAR EMPORIUM
As it happens in other exhibitions, the local manufacturers are the center of attention. Obviously, in Francfort this idea is enhanced since this is the most impressive motor show on the planet. For instance, the stand of Volkswagen Group is almost as big as the entire motor show carried out this year in Buenos Aires.

It was Volkswagen who introduced one of the novelties that our market found quite interesting: Tiguan, a medium 4 x 4 wheel drive vehicle, which will arrive in the country in the middle of 2008. Tiguan will be available with a gasoline engine 2.0, 200 horses and a turbo diesel one with 140 horses. On the other hand, although it has not been officially announced, it is a fact that the German brand will manufacture a medium pick up next year in Argentina. Volkswagen also introduced the Up, a small prototype of 3,45 mt long with a rear engine which in a future will be in assembly process.

Another innovation we will see in our market is the Audi A4, although it is not known exactly when. This medium car grows considerably in size and reaches now the 4,7 mt long. Every engine, both gasoline and diesel, will count with direct injection. The Audi incorporates attractive leds that draw a line within each front optic group and will accompany the xenon headlights.

In the BMW exhibition the most relevant innovation is the concept X6 prototype, an attractive combination of cupe and all terrain cars. The standard version remains unchangeable and its arrival is expected in our country by the middle of the following year. The situation of the cupe from series 1 and the Clubman from Mini -a brand that belongs to BMW- is different since at present they are likely to be taken to Argentina.

Mercedes Benz showed the family version of the new Clase C and a concept called F700, a peculiar and distinguished recreation of a luxury Sedan. On the other hand, Porsche introduces the 911 GT2 which will only be available with rear wheel drive and a hand box to measure out its 530 horses.

Ford Focus

THE “VISITORS” MAKE A STRONG START
In spite of the local power, the non German manufacturers have surprised everybody with announcements and launchings. In this sense, Renault was one step ahead and the day before the motor show’s opening to the worldwide press, they announced the production of a small car in the Mercosur named Sandero, which will arrive in Argentina at the end of the year. The French firm also introduced the Laguna III that would be in Argentina before the end of 2008. The Laguna Cupe’s appearance has made a big impact on everyone. It will be massively produced, without changing its outward design. Another revelation was the new Kangoo, although it is not expected to be seen in our streets.

Ford was another builder who played strong cards. Among them we can mention the Kuga, a medium sized all terrain vehicle that could be sold in Argentina. Besides, there is the newly designed European Focus with lines that foreshadow what Ford will produce next year in our country.

Citröen also anticipates the forthcoming C5 with the prototype Airscape. Its final design will be known next month and will arrive in our country half away through 2008. On the other hand, the concept by Peugeot -the 308 RC-Z- seems far away although it is impossible not to be captivated by its lines.

Fiat’s fans have a reason to celebrate. The brand decided to relaunch its Abarth models, the sports line of the Italian manufacturer. The first exemplary will be the Punto. It will have a 155 horse engine (they are already working on another one of 180 horses), 17 inch tyre and modified suspension. In its stand, they have also displayed the version ready for rally, called S2000 with an engine of 2.0 lt and 270 horses.

Anything can be found in this gigantic automotive walkway. An example of this is the Aston Martin DBS that appeared for the first time during the last James Bond film and is at present authorized to operate. Also the Lamborghini Reventón, a special Edition of only 20 units which costs one million euros, tax free. Anything can be seen here. That is why it is the greatest show in the world.

	>RENAULT SANDERO
Renault was one step ahead of the entire world, since the day before the motor show’s opening to the worldwide Press, the French brand announced the production of a small car in the Mercosur, called Sandero.