Geneva motor show review #235 / March 15, 2023 (Fri) / Confidential
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I'm delighted to reconnect with you after just two weeks. 😉
I recently had the pleasure of attending the Geneva Motor Show, which reopened its doors after a five-year hiatus due to the impact of COVID-19 and the Ukraine war. Despite the challenges, efforts were made to uphold the legacy of the Geneva Motor Show, renowned as one of the top five motor shows globally. Last year, in a bid to maintain momentum and encourage the automotive industry's expansion into Middle Eastern markets, a motor show was tentatively held in Doha, Qatar. However, this year marked the return of the "real" Geneva Motor Show in Geneva after five years. On the first day of the public exhibition, attendees were greeted with the sparkling allure of European car enthusiasts (pre-entry) as they wandered through the showgrounds.
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Today, I'd like to share a few observations from my tour of the show.
1. A Bit of a Shock - No Mercedes, BMW, VW, Kia, Nissan, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Fiat.........
While the 2020 Geneva Motor Show was canceled at the last minute due to COVID-19, disappointment lingered as subsequent shows in 2021 and 2022 were also called off. Even though Geneva, not holding the show last year, handed the baton to Doha, Qatar, attempting to maintain its status as one of the world's top five motor shows, the absence of familiar automotive brands, especially European ones, contrasted starkly with the Munich Motor Show in 2023, where many German brands participated. Instead, we noticed an array of Chinese electric car brands like BYD and SAIC Motor, local car manufacturers, and mobility brands preparing to enter the European market, which was somewhat surprising.
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The brand that commanded one of the highest exhibition space at the show was BYD, showcasing its new model, the Yang Wang (when asked, a representative mentioned that 'Yang Wang' means 'for the king, belonging to the king'). The U8, making a dazzling debut, drew considerable attention. Yang Wang represents BYD's premium brand, and the U8 gives off a blend of Range Rover, G Wagen, and Defender vibes at first glance. With three attached binacles on the roof, it exudes a strong off-road character while subtly hinting at its autonomous driving capabilities.
The intricately adorned grille with sparkling lighting details stood out prominently at the front, contrasting with the subtle embellishments seen on some European cars. This deliberate attempt to convey a confident presence was evident in the meticulous yet opulent design details.
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2. If I were to choose my car - Renault 5
I finally had the opportunity to see and touch the Renault 5 E-tech, which was showcased as an example of the retro design trend during Namyang's town hall meeting. Even without direct memories of classic retro models like the Fiat 500 or the original Mini, the Renault 5 is charmingly appealing, exuding a bright and cheerful character.
According to Renault's CEO, Luca de Meo, upon seeing the early-stage sketches of the Renault 5, he instructed that the car should never deviate from those sketches. As a result, the matching rate between the concept and the production car is said to be over 90%.
Utilizing the hood panel as a customizable element and presenting a three-dimensional yet coherent front and rear design, the Renault 5 struck a balance between refinement and intrigue without overdoing it, offering a clean and interesting aesthetic. (Below, I've included a photo of R5 accessories made using recycled materials through 3D printing.)
Exciting, fun, and relatively affordable - aren't these the elements a modern-day people's electric car should embody? It seemed to showcase a design level one step above the BYD Dolphin, which I encountered in the same showroom.
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Overall, the design theme features a subtle herringbone pattern, and the latest trend of using lettering instead of emblems is also evident. Although not clearly visible in the photos, the interior, especially in the second row, feels very cozy. While the dashboard and headliner may not be clearly visible in the photos, quilting (similar to Citroën's style) is applied, providing a sense of protection.
What felt particularly unique was the decision not to follow the current trend of tablet-style instrument panels but rather to use a thickly embedded screen centered around the driver. Having experienced concerns about tablets overheating and malfunctioning in the intense California sunlight while driving a Tesla, I was satisfied to see that the Renault 5 model's semi-embedded screen remained functional without being overly affected by heat.
The raised feeling of the second-row floor compared to other cars might suggest discomfort for taller passengers during long journeys, but overall, it's quite satisfying. Do you notice the baguette bread holder next to the center console? A touch of European charm, perhaps? 😄
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3. Strikingly Dimensional Rear Design
One common critique frequently heard at clinics pertained to Kia's rear-end design lacking flair. While American customers expressed high satisfaction with Kia's front and side designs, many mentioned a lack of excitement and creativity in the rear design.
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However, many European cars showcased at the Geneva Motor Show exhibited a highly detailed and expressive, three-dimensional design language. It felt like each car was eager to showcase a passion for driving that couldn't be hidden on the road. These bold and expressive aesthetic elements seemed to seamlessly integrate with the overall vehicle, which I thought was characteristic of European cars.
This expressiveness is further enhanced by advancements in screen technology, allowing for even more intricate details. As seen in Foxtron's taillights, bold lighting and imagery combine to extend into the realm of communication.
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4. Dacia's Sandriders Preparing for the Dakar Rally
Making a strong first impression for the rarely seen Dacia brand in the United States, the Sandriders model, set to compete in the actual Dakar racing in 2025, captivated attention with its powerful and intricate design. While the wheels are smaller at 17 inches compared to the Renault 5 model, the tires are a formidable 37 inches, designed to command attention. Reading about its purpose-built design to showcase extreme terrain capabilities helped in understanding its concept to some extent.
With a focus on demonstrating adaptability to extreme terrains (including regular road hazards), the Sandriders exhibited a rugged and angular front design, enlarged cooling intakes, and exposed spare wheels on the vehicle's sides, acting as unique design elements while remaining highly functional. It was an intriguing model that showcased a faithful design to function, allowing for free movement across various terrains.
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5. Superbike Like a Supercar - Lazareth
Reminiscent of something out of the anime Akira, Lazareth presents a superbike equipped with a Ferrari F430 engine, producing a staggering 510 horsepower. Despite its size being similar to most cars, this superbike features massive air intakes at the front, ensuring that even at speeds of around 150 miles per hour, the engine's heat keeps the rider's face comfortably warm. With Maserati alloy wheels and brakes, it appears capable of navigating European narrow streets effortlessly. Encountering such a superbike for the first time at the motor show was a novel experience for me.
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6. Mobility Optimized for Europe
While it might receive less attention in the American market, I came across several examples of European-style mobility solutions. One such example was the Microlino Lite model from Switzerland. This small vehicle accommodates two slender passengers seated on bench-style seats, allowing them to sit facing each other comfortably. What sets it apart is its unique design with a fully retractable front, tailored for narrow European parking spaces, providing the opportunity to exit sideways even after parking.
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The dash design is intriguing indeed. This vehicle not only features a speedometer and vents but also provides USB-A and C ports for charging. Moreover, the cylindrical structure crossing the dash resembles bicycle tubing, allowing for the mounting of various accessories. If this vehicle were to be used in the United States, it seems well-suited for purposes such as on farms or within school campuses for transportation needs.
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Secondly, the Swappable battery by Acciona left a strong impression. Spending several days in Switzerland, I found that one of the most challenging aspects was finding parking wherever I went. Even hotels in small cities had limited parking, often requiring additional fees and directing guests to nearby public parking lots. Such challenges are considered a significant hindrance to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. For Europe's road environment, a portable charging exchange system, like the one showcased by Acciona at the motor show, seems more suitable as it allows for easy battery swapping without the need for charging infrastructure.
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During my brief visit to the Geneva Motor Show, I discovered various aspects that differ from the U.S. market. Through this experience, I once again realized the importance of deeply understanding the local market when developing cars.
Unfortunately, this year, I couldn't explore models from various European brands. However, I hope that from next year onwards, the Geneva Motor Show will become more vibrant, providing an opportunity to see a wider range of models.
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After Switzerland, I returned via Spain and France, utilizing shared vehicles, trains, airplanes, and scooters instead of renting a car. I'd like to share some insights, particularly regarding shared vehicle services.
In the United States, as you may know, Uber and Lyft dominate the market. Personally, I used to compare the two apps and opt for the one offering the cheaper price. However, Europe operates differently. Even within Spain, there are dominant shared vehicle services depending on the city.
In Barcelona, I primarily used Freenow, followed by Uber and Cabify. Taxis were the most convenient option, especially as many taxis also operate under the Freenow app.
In Seville, Uber was the dominant choice. Taxis using meters weren't preferred due to unclear fare calculations.
In Madrid, with well-developed public transportation, I primarily used the subway. However, Uber was favored for rides to the airport.
In Paris, I used Bolt the most, followed by Uber and G7. Bolt often offers discounts for the first five rides, ranging from 20-50%, making it popular. However, if prices are too low, drivers may refuse pickups, leading to longer waiting times. I myself experienced a wait of over 40 minutes during my first trip. Additionally, there have been cases of fraud when using shared vehicles in Paris. Sometimes, drivers fail to press the end button upon reaching the destination, resulting in additional charges. Occasionally, drivers start the trip without actually picking up the passenger, leading to unwarranted charges.
Encountering unfair fees in situations where language barriers exist can be disconcerting and upsetting. I hope for the day when shared vehicle services worldwide provide more transparent and reliable platforms.
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Written by Jenna Chwee
Kia Design America
jchwee@hatci.com
101 Peters Canyon Rd.
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