In good time for the beginning of spring in Geneva, the new models of the various Group brands made their "début du printemps" before an international audience of 700 guests and journalists. Volkswagen ushered in the Geneva Motor Show with a glittering pre-show event.

Like every designer, the Group brands presented their latest models on a stylized catwalk. The innovative Audi A1, the exclusive Lamborghini Gallardo SuperLeggera, the Sharan family van and the sporting Skoda Fabia RS all excited the guests in their own way. Board Member Ulrich Hackenberg highlighted the features of the 140-HP Sharan, fitted with sliding rear doors for the first time, which boasts the lowest consumption figures of any van in its class. For the first time, Porsche also had a model at the Group pre-show event.

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn said in his speech: "Here in Geneva, the Volkswagen Group is presenting the youngest, most eco-friendly model range. Our Group already has the edge with efficient internal combustion engines, lightweight design, DSG and smart electronics. And we also intend to reach this position in the field of electro-mobility, too." He added that “the entire Volkswagen Group is in the fast lane with hybrid and electric vehicles.” The hybrid version of the Touareg had been presented in Munich just one week before.

Guests of honor at the pre-show event included Ferdinand Piëch and Osamu Suzuki, who gave a brief talk presenting the strategic partnership and joint activities. International media representatives were not only impressed by the variety of models highlighted. They also took the opportunity to hold personal discussions with the experts next to the new models.

The impact of major events is felt some time ahead. For several weeks, people had been building, shaping, cooking and moving cars to prepare for the evening. More than a four hundred people were involved. At the end, everyone agreed that it had all been worthwhile.