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 Several multinationals in the auto industry have elected Brazil, for some time now, as the hub for development of new cars. This way, among the main novelties of the 25th International Automobile Trade Show of São Paulo, which opens to the public on the October 30, are prototypes and variations of vehicles developed exclusively for the country.
One example is that of General Motors, which is presenting concept car GPix at the fair, a crossover, a passenger car with off road characteristics, to serve as inspiration for future models by the brand in Brazil and in other countries.
"The design of a car is its differential. It is what generates passion in this industry," said the global vice president of the company, Ed Wilburn. GM has in the country one of its 11 global design studios.
Fiat, in turn, presents the FCC II, Fiat Concept Car II acronym, totally created at the company development hub in Betim, Minas Gerais. The objective of the prototype is to provide entertainment while driving without affecting the environment.
With an 80 HP electric engine, with autonomy for 100 kilometres, the car may be recharged on 220-volt outlets. The body is made out of natural fibers, and other light and renewable materials were used in the structure.
Ford, which named its stand Ford Design Hall, presents concept variations of the Ka compact vehicle, baptized Beauty and The Beast. The former is a convertible model of the car, the latter a sports version. "This shows the versatility of the Ka," stated the company president for the Mercosur, Marcos Oliveira.
Ford has in Brazil one of its five global product development centers. The objective, according to Oliveira, is to create new models and technologies turned to the specific needs of the region.
Renault, in turn, is showing Sandero Stepway, an off road version of the compact car that is the brand's sales success in Brazil. Although the original model is not exclusive for the country, a new version was developed especially for the Brazilian market. Apart from sporty characteristics and accessories, the car has higher suspension to face more difficult routes.
The also French Peugeot is presenting two "Show Cars" made in Brazil. They are variations of the Peugeot 207 prepared for racetracks, and they may be used in the Peugeot Cup, a national competition.
Other novelties at the trade fair to start being sold now or in the near future are the new Honda Fit, the new Ford Focus, the Chevrolet Captiva, and new versions of cars that are already in production and imported vehicles.
"With the passing of time, Brazil has become a very interesting market," said Evaristo Nascimento, the event director at Reed Exhibitions-Alcântara Machado, the company that organizes the fair, pointing out that in this edition a greater number of vehicles is being released than in the last edition, in 2006. The organizers hope to receive over 600,000 visitors to see the products shown by the 170 exhibitors.
The carmakers also presented a greater number of vehicles powered by alternative fuels, especially biofuels, which use gasoline, ethanol, or any mixture of the two, already very popular in Brazil. In the area of imported vehicles, the highlight is the Chevrolet Volt, a hybrid vehicle with an electric engine and a fuel generator that recharges the batteries with the vehicle in movement.
Service
25th International Automobile Trade Show of São Paulo
From October 30 to November 9, 2008
Time: from 2 pm to 10 pm, except for November 9, when it will go from 11 am to 7 pm.
Site: Anhembi Exhibition Pavilion, Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1.209, Santana, São Paulo, São Paulo state, Brazil
Admittance: adults and those over 12, 30 reais (US$ 13,30); children aged 5 to 12, 20 reais (US$ 8,90); those under 5 and over 65 do not pay
Further information: www.salaodoautomovel.com.br/home/index_en.php
Anba - www.anba.com.br
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