Melbourne Motor Show video wrap

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Melbourne Motor Show wrap

by Paul Gover

Supermodels and colourful supercars blew the grey clouds away from the Australian motor industry yesterday.

A sales slump and gloomy profit forecasts were forgotten as more than

$15 million worth of shiny new cars, from exotic dream machines to tiny city runabouts, was unveiled at the opening of the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show.

There were more than 20 newcomers on the show stands, from the Audi Q5 SUV and BMW's smooth new Z4 coupe-convertible to the family-focussed Subaru Exiga wagon.

The lineup at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre is a reflection of the diversity and complexity of the Australian motoring scene, as well as the commitment from companies to push ahead despite the global economic uncertainty.

"I wouldn't say the mood is exactly optimistic, but there is great resilience. There are a lot of good news stories here," the former head of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, John Conomos, said.

The three Australian carmakers all had important newcomers, from the Holden Cruze and Toyota Prius hybrid to the updated Ford Territory, but they resisted the temptation for an over-the-top splash.

"This show is about much more than cars, it's about Holden's future,"

said company chairman, Mark Reuss.

"We could easily have shown you a wild concept or show car, but this is not the show for that. Today it's about providing real solutions."

Holden used the show to also make another value push with its Commodore sedan and Sportwagon, introducing an 'International' value pack.

The show is also the last in Melbourne until 2011, as a joint-venture deal has recently been struck which will see an all-new Australian Motor Show alternating with Sydney from 2010.

"We are expecting a good turnout. There is a lot to see and people are still interested in cars," said show boss, Russ Tyrie of the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce.

The motor show runs each day until Monday, March 9.