The Frankfurt motor show will provide the platform for a host of new model launches by Europe’s car manufacturers. Of real importance is the sales battle for dominance in the lower-medium sector, where volumes are high and fleet business is critical.
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The Frankfurt Motor Show is almost upon us and vehicle manufacturers will once again showcase their new models, many of which will be on display for the first time. This year’s event is of particular interest because there are several high volume models that will be hoping for the title of ‘Europe’s biggest-selling car’.
Perhaps of greatest significance is Volkswagen’s fifth-generation Golf, which topped the sales charts for several years in Europe before newer rivals finally got the better of it. The new Golf should prove a more dynamic drive than the car it replaces, with a more overtly sporting appearance and the same rock solid build quality. This car is, however, more evolution than revolution.
General Motors Europe’s offering will radically depart from its previous Astra, being more similar to its rivals than the previous car and again more sporty. All of the engines in the range will be Euro IV compliant on emissions. This is crucial for the fleet sector; particularly in the UK where company cars are taxed in relation to the emissions they produce.
Also to be launched are Mazda’s 3 and the Volvo S40. Both models will steal sales but are unlikely to really trouble the established market leaders. These models share the same platform as the Ford Focus, which is currently the biggest-selling car in the UK and also worldwide. The new Focus will be launched after the Golf, Astra et al, and will have to do some work to catch up.
Providing VW launches a competent machine, and given the successful launch of the Audi A3, its sibling, the Golf, should come out on top on a European level, particularly given its domestic popularity, with Germany representing by far the largest market. However, in other countries rivals may dominate, with Renault’s Megane likely to maintain its grip in France, and the Astra and Focus remaining the biggest sellers in the UK.
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