2009 Frankfurt Motor Show preview

Mon, Sept 07, 2009
By Tony Ng

*updated with Lexus' LF-CH pictures*

The 63rd Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) - that's the International Motorshow for English-speaking folks like you and me - will have over 60 automotive manufacturer from around the globe presenting their world premieres.

After the global economic crisis, nearly all major brands will be attending again.

However, some Japanese brands will be absent from the trade show due to the companies' pricky business situation. It brings to mind Honda's quitting from Formula One.

On the bright side, Fisker, Tesla, Lotus and Wiesmann will be attending the trade show as first-timers.

Running from Sept 17-27, the theme for this year's IAA will revolve around sustainable mobility, the "in thing" these days.

Toyota will be showcasing its progress in vehicle electrification with the world premiere of the Toyota Auris HSD full hybrid concept.

The new Prius Plug-in hybrid concept will also debut in Frankfurt as the plug-in enables pure electric operation for short-range day-to-day transportation.

Its premum badge, Lexus, will also unveil the LF-Ch, a new full hybrid premium compact concept car. No details have been given at the moment.

We could ramble on about the exciting new cars that will be coming out. Like the Citroen DS, which will be coming to Singapore in June 2010. Or even later. But for now, we'll let over 90 pictures do the talking.

Check back here for more Frankfurt updates. We'll also be plugging more information into the released photographs. Stay tuned!

tonyng@sph.com.sg