It's the biggest event in the automotive calendar and one of the most influential events in the industry. 2019 marked the 89th International Motor Show and the 10-day event was packed with exciting launches and car debuts. Arnold Clark Vehicle Management's Manufacturers Relationship Director, Calum Ewart, attended this year's show and was amazed by the innovation on display.
Here are some of the highlights from the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show.
Grey is the new black
It was confirmed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders that grey was the most popular car colour in 2018. And if the Geneva Motor Show was anything to go by, that trend is set to continue well into 2019. Dacia revealed its new colour 'Highland Grey', while other big names like BMW, Toyota, Audi, Peugeot and Mazda all had grey display cars. From charcoal and slate to stone and gunmetal, the 2019 Motor Show was proof that grey really is the new black.
Living in electric dreams
The electric revolution is well underway and the majority of manufacturers are responding to demand and now producing all-electric cars. The buzz in Geneva was truly electric with the Audi e-Tron stealing this year's show. Nearly all of the big brands unveiled a new electric model, with Peugeot's electric version of the 208 also drawing a big crowd.
2019 was also the year of the concept car, with ŠKODA showing us the new Vision iV. The all-electric model is powered by two electric motors and boasts a striking design and an eye-catching exterior.
With cameras at the side of the doors to replace wing mirrors and a dashboard that holds an impressive 12.3-inch touchscreen, the Honda e was also a real talking-point this year.
Back to the future?
Flying cars are set to soar from the screen and into reality after the world's first commercial flying car was unveiled in Geneva. Dutch aircraft manufacturer Pal-V confirmed that the production model is at the very last stage of research and could be seen on the roads and in the skies by 2020. The hybrid vehicle has a 200-horsepower engine that can reach driving speeds of up to 100 miles per hour in nine seconds, and a maximum flying speed of around 112 miles per hour. The 1985 film 'Back to the Future' wasn't too far off in its predictions after all.
Let's talk SUVs
As more and more drivers become accustomed to an upright driving position and generous cabin space, SUVs are overtaking hatchbacks as one of the most popular body styles. It's no surprise then that SUVs and crossovers were featured heavily at this year's show. From Aston Martin to Volkswagen, and every other major manufacturer in between, the 2019 Motor Show boasted an impressive range of SUVs. ŠKODA launched the all-new Kamiq which is the brand's smallest SUV to date and has already been compared to the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur.
Insider info
Calum Ewart, Arnold Clark Vehicle Management's Manufacturer Relationship Director, commenting on his experience at the Geneva International Motor Show said: 'Attending this year's show was a real eye-opener for me. It's a really exciting time for the car industry and the show in Geneva really reflected that.'
'The world of transportation is evolving and it's really encouraging to know that Arnold Clark is at the forefront of that change.'
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