Fuel-efficient cars highlight Geneva auto show

For those still in the market for SUVs, upcoming models of GM's GMC Acadia and Toyota's Highlander offer improved internal seating.

Previous models have typically favored bench seats in the back, but now designers are more keen on letting occupants move from one seat to the next without having to stumble or crawl by installing aisle seats, or captain's chairs, in the second and even third rows.

Meanwhile, struggling Ford Motor Co., which is trying to stage a turnaround amid billions of dollars in losses in recent months, is bringing a new version of its Mondeo, an important vehicle as the company seeks to gain ground in the sedan market with SUVs in disfavor because of low gas mileage.

"We wanted to create an emotional connection with the new Mondeo that would attract people from an aesthetic point of view even before they appreciate its technology," said Martin Smith, executive director of design at Ford of Europe.

The car will come in four-door, five-door hatchback and station wagon styles.

Germany's BMW AG is set to show off a restyled 5-Series, a key sales generator, while Volkswagen AG, Europe's biggest car maker, will have its new Golf Estate on display, a roomier version of the standby Golf line.

Among the concept cars — ideas that might or might not go into production — DaimlerChrysler's Dodge goes for a sportier tone with its Demon, a compact roadster with a fierce front end that recalls older model British sports cars.

In all, more than 250 companies are signed up for the 11-day show, taking up nearly 77,000 square meters at the Geneva Palexpo.

Organizers expect more than 700,000 visitors to the show, which is open to the public from March 8-18.

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