The global car industry is trying to forget its recent doldrums by flinging the bling at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

US singer Justin Timberlake helped unveil the new compact Audi A1, alongside an electric counterpart.

The emphasis is on ecology and enjoyability – with low emissions and state-of-the-art multimedia systems. Citroen and Renault have similar cars on offer.

“The atmosphere is good, we are coming out of a difficult time. The motor industry is trying to be greener, more ecological. Many manufacturers have chosen to show their hybrid models, like electric, because they are becoming more popular. All the talk is of change by 2011 or 2012 but I think we will see a real difference from 2020. Its a while away yet, but not that long,” explained a leading French motoring journalist.

Geneva sees itself as spearheading the concept of green motoring, and has dedicated one of the halls at this year’s show to vehicles with a more sustainable profile – like the city car and the electric motor.

Sports cars, though, certainly haven’t been neglected, to the satisfaction of petrol heads around the world.

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