Activists from Greenpeace held protests in front of the Volkswagen event and others, reminding people of the greenhouse gases released by most cars every day. But the carmakers still have work to do to convince everyone that they are serious about fighting climate change.

BMW displayed a concept vehicle made entirely of recycled materials. “I think the world understands how complex this is,” Mr. This year the celebrity guest was Bryan Salesky, chief executive of Argo AI, an autonomous-driving company that is based in Pittsburgh and has partnerships with Volkswagen and Ford. In years past, Volkswagen wowed visitors with surprise appearances by stars like Pink. Reporters split into small groups for discussions with Volkswagen executives about autonomous driving, battery technology and the company’s plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Volkswagen, once known for parading new cars before auto journalists on a big stage with pounding music, did not display any vehicles during a press event Sunday. But they are shifting almost all their money and energy to electric vehicles and autonomous driving software, and struggling to redefine themselves to fit the new technology.Īll five of the new vehicles that Mercedes-Benz unveiled at the show are battery-powered. Carmakers still make most of their profit from vehicles that run on gasoline or diesel. This is an awkward moment for the auto industry. stands for Internationale Automobil Ausstellung, or International Automobile Exhibition.) All forms of transportation are now welcome, regardless of their propulsion methods. What used to be known as the Frankfurt International Motor Show has moved to Munich and been rebranded I.A.A. Serious discussions on topics like autonomous driving have replaced light shows. Throngs of mostly male visitors ogled displays of the latest in horsepower and luxury from Wolfsburg, Munich and Stuttgart.īut the throngs had been thinning out even before the pandemic brought mass gatherings to a halt.Įurope’s first major car show in two years, which opened in Munich on Tuesday, looks like this: The latest models are being exhibited in outdoor plazas rather than expensive pavilions. Gleaming new models were unveiled to the accompaniment of cheesy light shows. MUNICH - Before the pandemic, German car shows looked like this: Automakers competed to occupy the most floor space.

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