Every year, almost all major car manufacturers try to impress customers by launching new and enhanced models. In 2015, the number of car models sold in the US totals 265, where 43 are new.

Globally the best-selling car in the world is the Toyota Corolla (selling 122,325 in 2014) followed by the Ford Focus (102,508) and the VW Golf/Rabbit (95,214).

The Frankfurt Motor Show every year defines current global automotive trends. This year the most prominent concepts presented by automotive manufacturers were alternative energy and the global digitalization of vehicles.

During the show a large number of automotive innovations were presented including new car car launches. The Frankfurt Motor Show is one of the best advertising channels for automotive companies to announce the launch of new cars. But history shows cases when the presentation of a new unique model was even more memorable than the whole show.   

Some memorable car launches from the past

F1 is well known for its colorful, sometimes bizarre and always incredibly expensive car launches. In 1997 in Alexandra Place The Spice Girls presented the first West McLaren.

Lavish car launches with historically significant sites as a backdrop, such as the Renault R24, which was unveiled on the stage of a Sicilian Opera house, fuse history with avant garde technology, fueling the imagination.

The most expensive cars in the world

The price of the car is not always directly related to the cost of the launch. The most expensive automobile in the world – the Maybach Exelero ($8 million) – was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show a few years ago without any extraordinary activities.

The launch of the second most expensive car in the world – the Lamborghini Veneno ($4.5 million) – will take place at the next Geneva motor show in March 2016.

Now, the fashion for launching luxury cars is through a Hollywood film franchise like “The Fast and the Furious”. Two from the current top 10: the Lykan Hypersport and the Bugatti Veyron Super Sports, appeared for the first time in “The Fast and the Furious Seven” as well as the Ferrari 458 Italia, the Dodge Viper SRT, the Dodge challenger and the McLaren MP4-12c.

The spectacular launch of a car supercharges customer anticipation. For customers, quick and easy access to real time information during the purchase process is key.

Whisbi helps companies in the automotive industry to improve their digital communications with customers, bringing the real store experience online, selling more and better.

Find out more about how we have been helping our automotive clients to support their new car launches here.