The recently concluded 78th Geneva International Motor show was labeled a great success by the organizers, exhibitors and the media. Being the kick-off point for the automotive season in Europe, the Geneva edition was a complete sellout with a record 715,000 people crossing through the gates. The show which was opened on the 4th of March to the 16th witnessed the debut of some of the world's most awaited cars like the new Ford Fiesta, Mercedes SL, Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe, BMW M3 convertible and the 2009 Volvo XC60.

There was one car though on whom all eyes were turned on, no prizes for guessing that it was the Tata Nano. Following its world debut at the Delhi Auto Show this January, the Nano created quite a ripple at Geneva with people lining up to take a glimpse of what presumably is the cheapest car to own in the world. Everyone from Rick Wagoner to Luca Di Montezemolo and Carlos Ghosn got themselves introduced to the Nano; needless to say that they were dying to know what the cheapest car in the world looked and felt like up, close and personal. Tata had showcased the top-end Nano at the 78th Geneva Motor show, which came bejeweled with airbags, leather seats and brushed aluminum trim. With the Nano not likely to be sold in Europe for the next 3-4 years it was more out of curiosity rather than awe that interested the visitors.

Besides the Nano, Mr. Ratan Tata also let lose three of the most promising studs from his stable, the new generation Indica, Safari 2.2 VTT Dicor and the Xenon pick-up trucks. The showcasing of these cars were completely overshadowed by the launch of the Nano and they were left to themselves for the better part of the 3 day affair.

Another Desi offering at the Geneva Motor show was the Suzuki A-Star concept, which has been made in India and was first showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo. The Suzuki A-Star is based on the small car code named YCS which is also the next generation Wagon R. The A-Star is indeed a star and has a wheelbase of 2360 mm, which is identical to the Alto and Wagon R. The A-Star comes with a spanking new 1.0litre petrol engine, which carries 3 cylinders, which will be produced in India as well.

Prototypes and concept cars refused to take a back seat and proved to be a major crowd puller. Also on display were gorgeous cars like the Pininfarina designed Sintesi concept and the Mitsubishi Prototype S.

As one entered the auditorium, which hosted the 78th Geneva Motor show, the first car they encountered was in Hall 1, which played host to some of the Industry bigwigs like Chevrolet, Hyundai Motors and Renault/Nissan. Representing Chevrolet, the world's 3rd largest automaker at the show was the 3 door version of its Aveo formerly known as 'Kalos', which is its largest-selling and most important model. Chevy also had on display an LPG powered HHR which is a 1950's Detroit influenced station wagon.

Taking over from where Chevy had left was the South Korean giant Hyundai Motors who had put on display its HED-5 which is a six-seater iMode concept brimming to the neck with state of the art entertainment and communication systems. The rest of the Hyundai line-up comprised of the new Matrix Mini and the i10 which we Indians have come to love and respect.

The Renault/Nissan stand lay just beyond that of Hyundai's. The Infiniti brand which is the luxury car branch of Renault/Nissan just like Lexus is of Toyota made its European debut at the Geneva Motor show. The EX 37 comes with a 3.7 litre V6 engine and is billed the world's most powerful compact crossover, and Renault/Nissan hopes that it will cross over from the stands to the garages of new numerous people all over Europe in no time. Giving company to the EX37 was the 4 door sports saloon the G37 and the G37 sports coupe which has been aimed at the yuppie crowd.

Saab, the GM owned Swedish auto manufacturer showcased what its future compact cars would look like in the form of the 200PS 9-X BioHybrid and the European debutante, the 300PS 9-4 BioPower. Saab is hell bent on entering the popular crossover segment and hopes the showcased cars will take forward their case in this matter.

The Detroit bandwagon at the 2008 edition of the Geneva Motor show was lead by the Corvette Z06, a bright yellow supernova guaranteed to sweep everyone of their feet. The revered Cadillac, the old boy of Detroit's car world put on display the whole world to see the wedge-shaped CTS Coupe which comes with an eclectic range of engines right from a 3.6litre V6 as well as a 2.9litre turbo-diesel. The head turner CTS coupe is slated to go on sale later this year and it can be expected to burn quite a hole in the pocket in order to own one.

Pagani and Bugatti made their presence felt at the show by showcasing the Zonda F Supercar and the Veyron respectively. The 1.55 million pounds (ex showroom) Bugatti Veyron is an 'Fbg par Hermes' version which has been created in collaboration with the luxury designer house of Hermes, and is expected to go on sale later this year.

Besides the Pagani, the other notable Italian stars in the show were the Fiat 500 Abarth which comes with a turbo-charged 135PS. Mini Cooper, beware of the Cinquecento. The Geneva Motor show also saw the world premiere of the Maserati Grand Tourismo S which is a sportier version of the existing model and comes with a 4.7litre V8 engine. Ferrari celebrated the 40th anniversary of its 365 GTB4 Daytona at the Geneva Motor show by displaying this gorgeous Italian masterpiece. Not one to be left behind, Lamborghini showcased for the very first time the new Gallardo 560-4 which is faster and lighter than the erstwhile Gallardo.

The Bavarian giant Audi was present in all its glory with the A4 Avant, A3 Cabriolet, Q7 V12 TDI and the LeMans conquering R8 which comes with the same engine as in the Q7 V12. The Bentley stand was held strong by the Brooklands and the convertible Azure. Lotus, another British icon had the most up-to-date version of its Eleven on show while the Swedish Supercar Koenigsegg has a lightly modified version of it's seriously powerful CCX-R on the stand.

Moving to the Japanese bandwagon, Mitsubishi had on show the cult Evolution X, while Subaru displayed the petite R1 E electric as well as the Legacy and Outback Boxer diesels and also the 3rd generation Forrester SUV. At the end of the line in Hall 2 stood the Volkswagen stand shinning brightly with its Passat and Scirocco, while its Czech concern, the Skoda was represented by the 2nd generation Superb.

Alfa Romeo proved to be one of the star attractions of the 2008 Geneva Motor show with its 8C Competitzione Spider, a car which is brutally gorgeous. Opposite the Alfa Romeo stand laid the Aston Martin stable which treated the visitors at the show its breathtaking Vantage RS.

French carmaker Citroen exhibited the new Berlingo, latest C5 estate, the Nemo and the obnoxious looking C-Cactus concept. BMW proudly put on stand for people to ogle at the new 1 series and X6 besides the M3 convertible. BMW also brought to Geneva its Mini Clubman which is a 211bhp John Cooper Works rendition.

Jaguar, a car which could soon be Indian owned was also present at this year's Motor show with its XF sedan along with the 420bhp XKR-S which is the fastest Jaguar of today. Land Rover was also there with its LRX Concept Hybrid that has a 2 litre turbo diesel engine.

Last but not the least; it was the Rinspeed Scuba which is the automobile reincarnation of a submarine. The Scuba is actually a Lotus Elise that has batteries instead of an internal combustion engine and drives on water and under water to an extent of 10 metres.

The 78th Geneva International Auto Show received brilliant reviews, the number of visitors exceeded the organizers expectations and the show received wide coverage in all forms of media. A total of 10,000 journalists were present at the show which is a new record, just goes to show the standing of the Geneva edition in the International Automotive scene. Cant wait for the 2009 Geneva Auto Expo slated to be held on the 9th of August 2009.