Weekly auto agenda: Salão do Automóvel

(AFP PHOTO/Stan Honda)

The Korean Grand Prix gets underway this weekend, the first major race for South Korea's brand new racetrack. Next week, an Aston Martin driven by Bond will be auctioned in London before the Salão do Automóvel, South America's largest car show, gets underway. Kia, Peugeot and VW are among the automakers expected to introduce products to the rapidly growing South American market.

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, UK

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

SEMA Show 2010
November 2 - 5
Los Angeles, NV, USA

Although it's not open to the public, the SEMA (Speciality Equipment Market Association) Show is a place for automakers to demonstrate hot new enhancements they're working on to trade professionals. Over 50,000 visitors from various parts of the automotive industry are expected to attend.
http://www.semashow.com

Japan Car of the Year Award
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

Green Car of the Year Award
November 18
Los Angeles, CA, USA

For the first time ever, electric vehicles will be among the contenders for the Green Car of the Year Award presented at the LA Auto Show. Last year the prestigious prize, presented by Green Car Journal, went to the Audi A3 TDI.
http://www.greencar.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

35th Bologna Motor Show
November 4 - 12
Bologna, Italy

The Bologna Motor Show traditionally focuses on the grandest and most powerful machines, although for its 35th edition even this show has gone electric, announcing a new "Electric City" exhibit on electrically powered vehicles and associated products and services. Other staples such as the Motorsport Arena and stunt shows will also be making a return.
http://www.motorshow.it