IAA Frankfurt set to welcome new model launches and concepts in theme of Future Mobility

With the IAA Frankfurt motor show taking place from 14-24 September, manufacturers are finalising their plans and preparing to announce a number of new models designed to capture the imagination of the buying public. Since the last event in 2015, the automotive world has seen the Volkswagen diesel scandal push forward the world of alternative fuels, while carmakers have continued to invest in autonomous technology, creating partnerships and forming companies to take advantages of increases in development. The ownership landscape is also shifting with more people relying on car sharing rather than purchasing a vehicle, an area that manufacturers are aware of. Therefore, a number of new launches at this year’s IAA will focus on alternative fuels. BMW is one such company. Having announced that it will offer electrification on models throughout its range, with at least 12 fully electric vehicles, the German company will also introduce a new model in its ′i’ range to the world. Harald KrÃœger, chairman of the board of management at BMW comments: ′At this year’s IAA, we will unveil another significant milestone in our roadmap for e-mobility. It is a vision of how we imagine a four-door, fully-electric vehicle between the i3 and i8. It is a vision we want to realise in the foreseeable future. And a further step in our commitment to sustainable mobility.’ Meanwhile, Daimler is aiming to give its Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL a debut in Frankfurt. The hydrogen-powered vehicle is a pre-production model and is a base for the company’s testing of the technology, which it hopes to bring to the market together with vehicles from Toyota and Hyundai. The company will also reveal the first of its electric EQ range, the EQ A, seen as a competitor to BMW’s ′i’ series. The car will feature an illuminated grill, LED headlamps and, from a teaser video, appears to follow the shape of a conventional hatchback. Jaguar will be giving its E-Pace its debut motor show outing, the company’s latest edition to its SUV line up. There will also be a concept vehicle, the Future-Type, which is the company’s vision of how vehicles will look in 2040. The car is fully autonomous and in a nod to the changing ownership landscape, is designed to be summoned rather than owned. The vehicle also features a fully connected steering wheel, which, the company states: ′″¦lives in your home and becomes your trusted companion. Sayer – named after the designer of the E-type – is the first voice-activated Artificial Intelligence (AI) steering wheel that will be able to carry out hundreds of tasks. It can summon your car, play music, book you a table and even knows what’s in your fridge.’ Another concept, although perhaps one closer to a future vehicle launch, comes from Volkswagen (VW), with its I.D. Crozz. This is another electric vehicle brand, which the company hopes will help regain public respect following the Dieselgate scandal. The car is a redesigned concept from a previous launch, with the SUV model featuring a compact electric drive system and what the company claims is a ′lounge-like spatial interior with four variable seats.’ The manufacturer will also launch a new Polo, and present its new T-Roc crossover. Korean company Kia will be bringing a midi crossover called the Stonic, together with a facelifted version of its Sorento SUV and a crossover version of the Picanto called the X-Line, with the city car getting a raised ride-height and bumper body cladding. SEAT will show off the new Arona and the Leon Cupra R, while also announcing the finalists of its large SUV name search, launched earlier in 2017. However, the show will be missing a number of car manufacturers, with Nissan, Volvo and all brands from Fiat Chrysler (FCA) and PSA Group not attending.