Thinking CAP by Martin Ward, manufacturer relationships manager, CAP

Wednesday

Over to Barcelona for the city’s annual motor show – an event which up until two months ago had been cancelled due to the economic crisis.

The manufacturers were reluctant to part with their money, but local MPs declared it ‘an event of exceptional public interest’ so consequently attractive terms were offered to car companies to ensure the show went ahead.

Many manufacturers took advantage and a good show was put on.

However, only a handful of premières took place.

Barcelona is the home town of Seat so it was inevitable it would show something new.

Alongside the sporty Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR was the Ibiza Bocanegra which goes on sale later this year.

The Bocanegra is based on the SC and has had a sporty-makeover, with a black nose and a rear diffuser.

It was good to see Jaguar and Land Rover in attendance.

Land Rover managing director Phil Popham said that 2008 had been a roller-coaster ride and difficult decisions had been made to cut costs.

Mitsubishi confirmed the i-MiEV all-electric car should go on sale in the UK later this year.

It will have a 100-mile range and can be fully charged in seven hours, or from empty to 80% full in 30 minutes through a special charging device.

SsangYong choose Barcelona to show the C200 Aero, which looks similar in size and concept to the Nissan Qashqai.

The event made me wonder if London has taken the right decision in cancelling next year’s show, or should Boris have found the funds to stage it to attract business and money into the area?

I don’t know, but living in Yorkshire it is much easier and quicker getting to Barcelona than it is to our capital.