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Auto shows used to be all about miles per hour and maximum horsepower, flashy design and super-performance. This year's Geneva Auto Show is proving that a lot in industry has changed. Instead of featuring their top speeds, many automakers are boasting about their new car's miles (or kilometers) per gallon. Instead of horsepower, the talk is about lower emissions. This year, green cars, once confined to the dark corners of such events, are on center stage, and making everyone realize that while much is different, some things never change.
One thing that has remained the same is the flashy design. From the Brabus-Tesla Roadster to the Namir concept car, designers at Geneva this year are showcasing sports cars that are pushing the boundaries of design and efficiency.
The rise of green cars is related, but not limited to, rising gas prices. Mazda Motors executive Jeffrey Guyton explained that "the CO2 interest from customers and bureaucrats is not going to go away even though gas prices have eased considerably." The issue of cost, however, cannot be ignored. Achim Steiner, executive director of the United Nation Environmental Programme argued that "there area number of companies here who will now bet on a quantum leaps in energy efficiency…but a lot will depend on whether the consumer will be punished for buying fuel efficiency by having to pay more for it."
High performance, and high priced, green sports cars and exotic concept cars were, fortunately not the only vehicles on display. Well established hybrid makers Toyota and Honda were also in Geneva showcase their new designs, marketed directly to average drivers.
From the rebooted Honda Insight to the new Toyota Prius, concept cars to electric racers, one thing was made clear in Geneva this year: green car tech is the way of the future, and many companies are stepping forward to meet the demand.
Find out more about the latest environmental and political news on Focus Earth: March 7, 2009: Solar Hopes Dimmed and Geneva Autos.
Read more about green cars:
New Consumer Report Reveals a Green Car with the Most Value
Top 5 Green Automotive Gadgets to Help You Save Gas and Save Money
How Electric Cars and Hybrids Affect Your Health
Build Your Own Electric Car: 5 Questions to Ask First
Why Do We Need More Electric Cars On the Road?
Choose to Drive the Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2009
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