Weekly auto agenda: Paris Motor Show opens to the public

(AFP PHOTO ERIC PIERMONT)

After a packed press launch, the Paris Motor Show opens to the public October 2. Automakers from around the world have been displaying new and improved products at the show, one of the largest in the world. Two weeks after, the Australian Auto Show begins in Sydney, the first in two years.

Paris Motor Show
October 2 - 17
Paris, France

The Mondial de l'automobile ranks with Geneva and Detroit as among the biggest shows of the year, with new products expected to debut from almost every major European brand, and many from the US and Asia. Expect a swathe of concept cars and a focus on electric vehicles courtesy of the French government, which sponsors the "Ecomobility" display.
http://www.mondialautomobile.com/

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 taking place at the same time as 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/

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/

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