2004 Paris Motor Show highlights

Though themes were distinctly elusive, there was a broad spectrum of technology, design, and styling on display from Europe-based manufacturers.

Most international motor shows have themes. There may be a plethora of both likely and unlikely concepts, of technologies enhancing environmental responsibility, of safety systems…or performance cars. At Paris this year, though, themes were distinctly elusive. Instead, there was on display the whole glittering gamut of the international motor industry at its best, showing what it could do across a broad spectrum of technology, design, and styling, while bringing out evolutionary and revolutionary solutions to challenges real and imagined. Despite the endless pursuit of low emissions, economy, and practical, value-for-money vehicles, kilowatts still figured prominently. And glamour, that essential ingredient for success, was on almost every stand. The car, it seems, is still a long way from becoming the purely functional mechanical device that is its basis, and the words “automotive engineering” will continue to mean a great deal more than four wheels, an engine-and a hunk of metal to keep out the rain.

Following are highlights of the Paris show from Europe-based automakers.