European Auto Show Brussels: Hope for A Green Renaissance

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European Auto Show Brussels: Hope for A Green Renaissance
Every two years, passionate and curious gather for discovering and admiring the latest models and releases from manufacturers. But today, the crisis took over the party. The financial crisis brought people back to reality. The over-sized, fuel hungry cars that dominated the floor during the last years will give their place to more reasonable vehicles. The costly luxurious objects will transform in practical, small and easy concept cars more adapted to reality. Current road shows present energy saving, low consumption engines and praise green, hybrid, power motorized alternatives. Yet, social and environmental responsibilities are strongly underlined.

Brussels, 88th edition’s, has always been a commercial showcase for the European Market. Actors can take the pulse of their customers in the beginning of the year. Yet, 2010 is already a cruel year for the Belgian industries. The country has long attracted companies for its central position but the industry is now under pressure and see the manufacturers leaving the country.

However, Brussels also brought certain amount of hopes in the market evolution. A big part of the show was dedicated to the electrical cars under the sponsorship of GDF SUEZ. One could test the new Volvo C30, the Mini-E, the Mitsubishi i-Miev, and admire the already mythic roadster Tesla. On a small circuit, the cars confirm their attractiveness and comfort. Totally silent, their accelerations are impressive and their comfort is not different from the originals. Although the Mini is still a prototype with a 200 cv engine, the i-Miev, already for sale in Japan, is on production. Couple of steps from there, the models of PSA can be observed at a worldwide major first: Citroën C-Zéro and Peugeot Ion, which will certainly be the stars during the fall in Paris. The group PSA which was seen as a timid actor reveals a strong commitment in this new segment, presenting among others a concept car, BB1, embedded with a rear wheel system propelled by electrical engines developed by Michelin.

BB1 aims to be set in mass production soon. Also Peugeot uncovers the 3008 Hybrid4 with a dual fuel-power engine (2l diesel, 163 cv and 37 cv power), a 4×4 machine on sale as from 2011 with interesting performances (99 g of CO2 per km) or the hybrid roadster RCZ, with a level of 95g of CO2 per km. Concerns regarding the consumption and emissions is also highlighted on classical vehicles (C3, DS3 are under 100g of CO2 per km). Peugeot launched its challenge “Peugeot Eco Cup”, competition dedicated to the European drivers for a responsible drive.

Renault, largely involved in the electrical vehicles, presented the ultra fast reload mechanism by changing the battery pack in less than three minutes, the QuickDrop system, and the Fluence, well-designed car which is the main element of the BetterPlace project with an electricity powered engine in Israel.

With conventional vehicles, Renault also participates to the global effort for reducing the emissions thanks to its Clio Dci 90 cv which emits 99g of CO2 per km. Volkswagen believes, as BMW, in the future of optimized internal combustion engines by deploying its BlueMotion offer to the Polo, diesel engine 1,2L, 87g of CO2 per km, to the Golf, 99g of CO2 per km and to the Passat, 118g of CO2 per km. The secrets relay on the start stop system, long gears in the gearboxes, low resistance pneumatics and great aerodynamic designs. BMW reuses its approach “Efficient Dynamics” to all cars and proposed a very fuel-hungryX6; other electrical, hybrid concept cars.

With the first hybrid model, Toyota can be proud of its emblematic model, Prius, already 12 years old and 1.2 millions of sales which gives a leg up over its competitors among which Honda with the new family car Insight judged less performing.

The industry reacts quite quickly in regard of new contextual elements –the environment. However, the reactions of the customers are almost unknown. More vehicles, more possibilities will make the choice of buying a new car even more complex. The price signals resulting from the efforts of manufacturers and the governmental incentives will have to be clearly readable by the market, as well in cost of acquisition as of use.

Next step: Geneva in March.

Jean-Pierre Corniou, assistant director @ Sia Conseil and former member of the Board @ Renault.
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