Geneva auto show hopes small models equal big profits

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

GENEVA (AFP) — Small is beautiful for carmakers at the Geneva Auto Show with an eye on congested cities, one-parent families, rising oil prices and growing concern at the environmental impact of motor vehicles.

Taking centre-stage at the 78th show, which opens to the public on Thursday, is a giant model of the iconic Fiat 500, which the Italian carmaker revamped for its 50th anniversary to appeal to modern drivers.

The classic 1957 model was "a car for Everyman, but now Fiat is looking at high-end clients," Fiat's Swiss marketing director Thomas Schneider said.

"There's a fashion factor just like the Smart or Mini a few years ago: we want to show that a small car can be cool," he said.

Schneider also said there was strong demand for small cars as...