By Peter Burgess | |
| 16 September 2008 17:35:26 | |
Paris Motor Show 2008 - full preview
The world’s most popular motor show opens to the public on October 4 in Paris. With 1.43 million visitors last time around, it knocks Tokyo, Frankfurt, Geneva, Detroit and London into oblivion. Why is it so admired?
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Citroen Hypnos concept will debut |
It’s one of the two key European motor shows each year. Geneva is in March, then Paris and Frankfurt alternate in the autumn. You’ll get to see all the new cars launched in London in July, including the new Vauxhall Insignia and Lotus Evora, but there will be many more unveilings here in France.
It’s the home of two major car companies, PSA (Citroën & Peugeot) and Renault, and each will be vying with the other to produce the most outlandish concept car. But it won’t be just the French manufacturers. Everyone wants to prove that they are at the pointed end of the game, so there will be literally dozens of exciting new concepts to view.
Serious fun
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Michael Schumacher (left) is expected to help launch the new Ferrari California |
We will be detailing these and the new production model reveals shortly, but although there are too many to list here, Paris will be your first chance to get a glimpse of the Ferrari California, Ford Ka, Honda’s new budget-priced Family Hybrid, the new Toyota Avensis and much, much more.
But there’s always more to the Paris show than first meets the eye. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, with halls also devoted to obscure French microcars and, this time, taxis from around the world. It’s all very walkable in a single day, though your legs may wish you’d assigned two days to the task.
But there’s always more to the Paris show than first meets the eye. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, with halls also devoted to obscure French microcars and, this time, taxis from around the world. It’s all very walkable in a single day, though your legs may wish you’d assigned two days to the task.
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New Ford Ka |
And of course, the whole event takes place in Paris. Which means there’s stacks to do after the show, to suit any budget. The Mondiale de l’Automobile couldn’t make a great contrast to the seriousness of the Frankfurt show on alternate years.
It’s cheap too. Tickets are €12, or €6.45 for children aged 10-18, with kids under 10 free. You can buy and download your tickets on www.mondialautomobile.com, which may save you some queuing time though no money. Getting there? It’s an easy enough drive from the south of England to Paris, with plenty of parking at the show near the Porte de Versailles. If you fly or go by Eurostar, public transport connections to the show are a doddle. Please note that all services using the Channel Tunnel are subject to delays and cancellations due to the serious fire there on September 11.
It’s cheap too. Tickets are €12, or €6.45 for children aged 10-18, with kids under 10 free. You can buy and download your tickets on www.mondialautomobile.com, which may save you some queuing time though no money. Getting there? It’s an easy enough drive from the south of England to Paris, with plenty of parking at the show near the Porte de Versailles. If you fly or go by Eurostar, public transport connections to the show are a doddle. Please note that all services using the Channel Tunnel are subject to delays and cancellations due to the serious fire there on September 11.
With 385 exhibitors promised for the duration, the 2008 Mondiale de l’Automobile is an event that anyone with an interest in cars shouldn’t miss. Put October 4 to 19 in your diary now, and if you can't make it in person don't forget that you can always access the web's best and fastest live coverage of the press days of the show on MSN Cars, starting Thursday October 2.
GALLERY: Paris Motor Show 2008 preview
PREVIEW: Top 10 cars launching at the Paris Motor Show 2008
GALLERY: Paris Motor Show 2008 preview
PREVIEW: Top 10 cars launching at the Paris Motor Show 2008
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Paris Motor Show 2008 - your vote
- Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?
- New BMW 7-Series
12% - Chevrolet Cruze
1% - Ferrari California
23% - New Ford Ka
4% - Lamborghini Estoque
36% - Lexus IS 250 Cabriolet
4% - New Renault Megane
2% - New Toyota Avensis
4% - Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
3% - New VW Golf
11%
- New BMW 7-Series