2002 Geneva Auto Show

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Here along the banks of the pristine Lake Geneva, the serene waters reflect the nearby snow-capped mountaintops and the lights of the city that plays host to the 72nd Annual Geneva Motor Show. It may not be as flashy as its Frankfurt or Parisian counterparts, but this international show always manages to debut some of the most important vehicles on the road. This year's theme is the "Crossroads of Mobility," and event officials are stressing the diplomatic neutrality of the area as a soothing counterpart to the turbulent political and economic times. After all, Switzerland doesn't manufacture vehicles of its own, so at least there won't be favoritism in terms of dominance of any one manufacturer to emphasize its nationalism.

Expected to debut are the Ferrari 575M Maranello; the next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK lineup; the Phaeton, Volkswagen's flagship and first entry into the luxury sector; as well as an intriguing concept from BMW, the CS1. Stay tuned to read about the Mazda 6 station wagon and super-fast versions of the Audi A6.

We can't go on at length about the charm of the glockenspiel that chimes in the stillness of twilight or the fairy-tale loftiness of Swiss confectionaries, but we'll bring you the most comprehensive coverage of this exhibition. Can you say Swiss salon international de l'automobile without a smile?