Geneva Motor show

The Geneva International Motor Show, in Switzerland opens this week, at a time when manufacturers increasingly  wary of spending cash on big set-piece event,  as traditional motor shows seem to be in decline, with electrification the dominant theme.

Mercedes and Audi who are in the process of developing whole new electric ranges will both have new ideas on show, with an electric people-carrier and new compact SUV respectively.

Aston Martin’s new electric sub-brand Lagonda will be showing off what it calls an “ all terrain concept”, rival to Rolls-Royce Cullinan and VW’s electric buggy.

Kia, the Korean manufacturer Kia, is releasing a concept car e-Niro SUV, “designed to not only get your pulse racing, but to also signpost our holistic and emotional approach to electrification”.

Automobili Pininfarina, an Italian brand backed by Indian Mahindra will be bringing three versions of its new Battista, which is expected to have a top speed of 250mph, and a range of 300 miles all on battery power.

Honda’s Urban EV, a small electric car designed specifically for city use while Citroen’s concept car Ami-one, a little electric box on wheels with a maximum 28mph speed.

After 100 years the petrol-powered car passed go for the first time electric cars are appearing to be taking over. Tesla is on track to overtake BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the US and car sales in China have hit the buffers as several carmakers have issued profit warnings. People’s choices and expectations are changing  and are embracing a pay-per-use and sharing economy. In the inner cities people are using ride hailing services, scooters and bike offered by Uber and others.