Eight top car manufacturers to attend Tuning World Bodensee

Eight leading car makers will be exhibiting at this year’s Tuning World Bodensee, Europe’s largest tuning and accessories fair. Many other big names in the tuning industry will be present at this, the eighth event of its kind, which takes place from 13 to 16 May 2010 and is also the key life- and drivestyle event for Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Dirk Kreidenweiss, the event’s project manager, comments: "After Škoda’s successful appearances at Tuning World Bodensee in 2006 and 2007, we’re delighted that they’ll be back this year.” The Czech manufacturer will be displaying the Fabia RS and Škoda Fabia Combi RS, two sports versions of the Fabia with an eyecatching aerodynamics package, 17-inch wheels and a punchy 1.4-TSI, 180-hp four-cylinder engine. Škoda will also be showcasing the Octavia RS Plus and other sports models.

In addition, the company will play an active part in the Drifting for All fringe sports event with a specially adapted Fabia. The team challenge demands considerable dexterity, since it involves a Škoda Roomster being driven by four people, one operating the accelerator, one the brake, one the clutch and one the steering wheel. The other six manufacturers to confirm debut appearances this year are BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT/Abarth, Mazda and Nissan. "A lot of manufacturers have realized that adding sports accessories to new cars is a great way of increasing brand loyalty,” explains the fair’s director, Klaus Wellmann. "Tuning World Bodensee is the ideal place to engage in direct dialogue with car and tuning fans.”

FIAT will also be making its debut at the event with the Abarth sports range. As a motorsports and tuning specialist, the company with the scorpion logo became a legend during the 1950s, 60s and 70s, and has sparked considerable excitement in the car world since its 2007 relaunch. With popular road and race models such as the Abarth 500, Grande Punto and other display cars, the company will be celebrating its passion for Italian and international automobiles.

Over 100,000 tuning and motorsports fans are expected to turn up, and BMW regards Tuning World Bodensee as the perfect showcase for its premium models and performance parts. The company will be displaying its wide range of model-specific body, drivetrain, aerodynamic and cockpit accessories on 335i limousine and 135i Coupés. Some BMW performance parts are also available for previous series such as the E46.

Nissan will be presenting three sports models: the 370Z, 370Z Roadster and GT-R. With their V6 engines pumping out between 331 and 486 hp, all are popular favorites on the international tuning scene. The current model of the GT-R, a series which has acquired legendary status since its 1969 debut, will be yet another highlight of the 1,000-plus tuning and sports cars on display.

Another manufacturer in attendance at this key "drive- and lifestyle event” will be Mazda, which is exhibiting its Z-Line range of sports accessories for the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, and MX-5 Roadster. It is also sponsoring the Mazda-Chrysler Segway Race in hall B5, where instructors will help visitors put three of the single-axis electric personal transporters through their paces on a parallel slalom course.

Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep have also promised to attend, and project manager Dirk Kreidenweiss comments: "The presence of several car manufacturers at Tuning World Bodensee is a positive sign. It shows that over the years, the fair has established an excellent reputation with the public, the industry, and our international partners.” This year, the site has been expanded to include an additional two halls, building on the event’s success as a meet-and-greet for private exhibitors, tuning clubs, and the tuning and accessories industry. Once again, the attractive range of fringe events includes the famous party nights, featuring international entertainment and the Miss Tuning competition.