Story highlights
Paris Motor Show kicks off as car giants take the stage to present new models
Focus will be on greener and more efficient cars, as manufacturers try to capture new customers
European car market shows signs of recovery, but Asia remains the growth center
The last Paris Motor Show was marked by tear gas and workers’ violent protests against job cuts. Now, the mood is different and industry bosses are back doing what they prefer: Showing off the latest luxury models, supercars and hybrid motors.
Among the most anticipated cars at this week’s event – one of the biggest dates in the car enthusiast’s diary – will be a plug-in hybrid Lamborghini, Ferrari 458 Speciale, Mercedes AMG GT, and a five-door MINI.
Manufacturers will unveil around 100 new models and designs, three times more than at the last show two years ago.
Europe, while still fragile, has shaken off the financial crisis and the auto industry has seen a 6% boost in car sales so far this year, to 8.3 million. It’s the largest increase since the crisis began in 2007.