Low-key start to auto exhibition

MOONSTER: This is how a Yugoslavian student envisages auto design in the year 2020. The model, dubbed the Moonster, is made mainly from aluminium and was a winner in a competition arranged by Peugeot. (Photo: Dag Sunnanå)

(Sep. 14, 2001) The opening of this year's Frankfurt auto exhibition was not quite as planned. The slogan "Faszination Auto" seemed more subdued and the show more low-key as a result of terrorist attacks in the US.

The German Automobile Association hopes that the situation will return to normal and that the customary large crowds will return to the exhibition venue.

Although the number of exhibitors is down this year, the major auto companies are even more in evidence. The German auto industry in particular is demonstrating its strength on its home turf with some exciting new models. Considerable numbers of people are making their way to the BMW, DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen displays, while GM and Ford are also attracting interest.

RENDEZVOUS FRANKFURT: "The auto trade fair in Frankfurt provides a fine opportunity to survey the whole industry in a couple of days, " says Michael Schwenzer, who has now taken over as head of Hydro Automotive Structures. (Photo: Dag Sunnanå)

For Hydro Automotive Structures it is definitely inspiring to see the company's components featuring among the really big draws, such as the new BMW 7 series and Mercedes leading model, the SL 500l, to name two of them. The list of customers who swear by Hydro's frames, bumper bars and crash boxes seems to grow from one auto exhibition to the next.

One of those who has been present at most of the Frankfurt shows during the last twenty years is the new head of Hydro Automotive Structures, Michael Schwenzer. " The exhibition has always highlighted innovation and I like to spend my time here taking a closer look at vehicle concepts and new models. "

"At the same time the exhibition provides a unique opportunity to meet up with customers and competitors within a short period. It is fantastic to be able to survey the entire industry in the course of two to three days," says Schwenzer, who officially took up his new position last week.

The changing of the guard at Hydro automotive was marked with a riverboat trip on Wednesday night, during which a visibly moved Arvid Moss was praised for his efforts on behalf the company he has headed since the early 1990s.