The Geneva Motor Show gets underway today (3rd March), with analysts claiming that it will perhaps be the most green-focused instalment since its inception nearly 80 years ago.

Among the usual glitz and glamour - provided this year by 85 planned launches of high-performance Bentleys and Bugattis - will be a number of environmentally-friendly models, the Guardian reports.

Rebecca Wright of Global Insight explained that this year's approach, which has been dictated by falling sales as a result of the economic downturn, will provide a refreshing change.

She told the newspaper: "There will be a green focus. It will be a welcome diversion from the financial crisis."

The event is taking place against a backdrop of turmoil in the industry, which a number of automakers are attempting to tackle by producing smaller, more fuel-efficient models to boost demand.

Peugeot Citroen, for example, has confirmed that it is focusing its attentions on ramping up a joint venture with Mitsubishi which will see electric cars hitting European roads by 2010.

The company has already announced plans to offer La Poste 500 electric vans, while also attempting to produce a plug-in hybrid capable of travelling for 50km on battery power for energy group EDF.

The European Commission - which yesterday approved auto industry bailout plans in Italy and Spain - believes that the European industry as a whole is running a 20 per cent capacity overflow.



Source:

Green cars could kick-start stalled motor industry (02/03/09)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/mar/02/car-sales-collapse-motor-show