Fuel efficiency and the need for more eco-friendly cars are key themes at the 77th Geneva International Motor Show, which opened on Thursday.

The event, which is expected to attract more than 700,000 visitors, features over 80 European and international vehicle premieres, including models from Russia and for the first time China.

Hybrid cars are a big theme at this year's show, as was the case last year. Many new cars at the show use alternative energy or alternative engines.

According to the organizers of the show, the development of new technologies was a major concern for car manufacturers facing global warming and tougher emission limits, and many big manufacturers are showing off their green credentials at this year's motor show.

Saab, for example, is presenting its BioPower 100 concept car that runs on pure bioethanol. Honda is unveiling a hybrid sports car, while Volkswagen is bringing its Passat BlueMotion.

"You will notice that it is no longer mainly the temple of power, performance at all costs, speed, or a form of gigantism, but a temple of new technologies, invented to take account of other constraints that are vital for the future of us all," said Luc Argand, president of the motor show.

"Open your eyes wide, in the halls here you will glimpse the future of the automobile, which is no longer a blueprint but reality. The car of the year 2015 or 2020 will be completely different from that of today," he told the opening ceremony of the show.

Organizers said, however, that it was difficult to quantify how much climate change is influencing the car industry and flagship events like Geneva.

But the chances are that hybrid cars, which combine conventional fuel and electric motors, will end up on the shopping lists of a number of visitors.

"We know that every tenth visitor makes their decision here in Geneva which kind of car they will buy afterwards," said Rolf Studer, the show's general manager.

"Exhibitors do not sell a lot of cars here but if we have 700,000 visitors, there are 70,000 decisions taken here at the show."

The 77th Geneva motor show, which runs until March 18, covers almost 77,000 square meters and attracts over 250 exhibitors.

The Geneva show is one of the world's top five motor shows. The other four are hosted in Detroit, Paris, Frankfurt and Tokyo respectively.

Source: Xinhua