Weekly auto agenda: Australian International Motor Show

(AFP PHOTO/William WEST)

Next week sees the start of the Australian International Auto Show after a two-year hiatus, with Sydney staging the first show as part of the new joint agreement with Melbourne. In Europe, the eCarTec trade fair begins October 19, with many of the world's EV makers expected to converge on Munich for the show and associated award.

Australian International Motor Show
October 15 - 24
Sydney, Australia

This is Sydney's first motor show in two years and organizers say they've been inundated with requests from the world's automakers. Despite slightly overlapping the influential Paris show, the Sydney show is expected to attract 250,000 visitors to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.
http://www.motorshow.com.au/

eCarTec
October 19-21
Munich, Germany

The 2nd International Trade Fair for Electric Mobility shines the spotlight onto Europe's rapidly developing EV industry, with exhibitors ranging from automakers such as Mitsubishi and Lotus to battery makers and drivetrain manufacturers. The event sees the presentation of the eCarTec Award for innovative and sustainable electric mobility.
http://www.ecartec.eu/

Korean Grand Prix
October 24
Yeongam, South Korea

Korea's brand new racetrack has been plagued with delays, but organizers know that it will have to be open for its first event - the first Grand Prix ever to be held in Korea. South Korea is an automotive powerhouse in Asia and the last major car producer to host a Formula One event - the track's highlight is a 1.2 km straight, the longest in Asia and 135,000 people are expected to attend.
http://www.koreangp.kr/

Automobiles of London Auction
October 27
London, United Kingdom

Automobiles of London returns for its fourth year to sell some of the world's finest vintage vehicles. Lots this year include James Bond's actual Aston Martin DB5, as driven by Sean Connery in Goldfinger and Thunderball, expected to sell for over £3.5 million (€4 million).
http://www.rmauctions.com/

Salão do Automóvel
October 27 - November 7
São Paulo, Brazil

The Salão do Automóvel, the largest auto show in Latin America, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. A total of 450 cars were on display in 2008, attracting 625,330 guests, with debuts expected this year from several major automakers.
http://www.salaodoautomovel.com.br

Ferrari World opens
October 28
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Ferrari World will be paradise for lovers of the racing marque - it is set to include the world's fastest roller coaster (at speeds of up to 240 km/h) and over 20 other attractions designed to "bring to life" the Ferrari story. The park is home to the world's largest prancing horse logo, a massive motif on the top of the 200,000 square meter roof.
http://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

Istanbul Auto Show 2010
October 29 - November 7
Istanbul, Turkey

Over 200 companies exhibited their products to over 650,000 visitors at the last Istanbul Auto Show, which performed well despite the auto industry's doldrums in 2008. This year, organizers are promising a better event than ever, with major automakers around the world showing their products in the 120,000 square meter CNR EXPO Istanbul center.
http://www.itf-autoshow.com

Japan Car of the Year winner unveiled
November 9
Tokyo, Japan

Selected by a panel of automotive journalists, Japan's Car of the Year is a prestigious award that recognizes the best of Japan's auto industry. Will a tough year for Toyota knock its Prius off the top spot?
http://www.jcoty.org/

Chevrolet Volt production begins
November 11
Detroit/Hamtramck, MI, USA

General Motors has confirmed that series production of the Volt, one of America's first electric vehicles, will start November 11, with deliveries expected before the end of the year.
http://www.gm.com

Los Angeles Auto Show
November 19-28
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Traditionally used as a venue for automakers to announce high-tech and green innovations, this year's LA Auto Show is expected to be more high profile than ever, given its proximity to the US launch of the Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt. Organizers promise more than 20 world premieres, including major debuts and news from Nissan/Infiniti and the return of Fiat to the show after some 27 years' absence.
http://laautoshow.com