Curtains are about to rise for the 62nd edition of the world's largest motor show, IAA Frankfurt or Frankfurt International Motor Show. Though the prime focus of the developed world will be on 'green' technology for tomorrow, comprising efficient diesels, trick hybrids and electric machinery, there will be more than a hint of what is in store for India and other developing markets at the pavilions of Frankfurt.
The show opens to public on September 13.
Previews already include a number of cars that are certain to come to India. Amongst the most promising is the Suzuki Kizashi concept. Kizashi, which means foretaste or prelude, will become Suzuki's largest production car to date and is likely to challenge the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic when the production version hits the roads in 2009. Suzuki's big car foray comes on the back of the medium sized sedan SX4, which has proved successful in many international markets, and in India.
General Motors has tasted success in many a developing market with their Daewoo-derived hatches and sedans. GM will reveal the updated Chevrolet Aveo hatchback Aveo U-VA to us Indians.
While many body panels remain the same, the front end of the car has been comprehensively re-sculpted and the result looks very much like any other car to wear the Chevy bowtie. The hatchback comes with an updated interior too.
The new Aveo is expected to reach Indian roads in less than a year. For Europe, GM has announced 1200cc and 1400cc engines, but the Indian engine changes, if any, are not known at this time. GM is also expected to launch a third small car slotted between the Spark and the Aveo U-VA after their Talegaon plant in Maharashtra comes online.
Ford's Verve concept is important for us as well. The Verve shows the styling and innovations that will become the basis of the Fiesta (the international hatchback, not the Indian sedan) and Ka replacements. The Verve, based on the Mazda2, is expected to share many bits from the Mazda-Ford parts bin and will be launched with a hard-hitting price line.
The Fiesta hatchback that will get launched based on the Verve will eventually replace the Fiesta as we know it today in India. Reports suggest that the ageing Fiesta tag may be replaced by Verve for the new hatchback.
Honda revealed full details of the 2008 Accord in the lead up to the show. The new car - though it follows the concept of the current model - is designed and built from a clean CAD screen. The Accord received a facelift only recently in India but that should not prevent Honda from unleashing their D-segment challenger by the end of 2008.
The Accord is the largest selling car in its segment in India today. The engines may include the flagship 273 bhp 3500cc iVTEC V6. The other engine is likely to be a refreshed 2400cc inline-four that produces 180 bhp. High demand for its diesel powertrain in Europe may prevent Honda from launching the Accord Diesel variant in India. On the inside, the new car is classy, but remains traditional in feel rather than futuristic like in the Civic.
Among other cars, Maserati's new Quattroporte Sport GT S will be out at Frankfurt wearing a number of cosmetic and handling-related enhancements. We expect a few to find buyers in India. Mercedes-Benz will unveil the F700, a concept car that showcases its new DiesOtto engine, which allows small petrol engine sizes to produce diesel-like performance with great economy.
When the F700 evolves into a production car, expect a successful Indian innings as well. Volvo will unveil the C30 Efficiency, a production variant of the smart Scandinavian hatch that will put emphasis on great economy. We expect Volvo to bring the C30 at some point, and the Efficiency might just be the right C30 for us.
