It’s always interesting to see the stands that manufacturers create to showcase their wares on the auto show circuit. And with Frankfurt being home to some of the industry’s biggest brands, there’s always a few stands that pop out.
This year’s 9,000 square meter Volkswagen exhibition is certain to be one of the highlights. With 53 models on display, the space will host the world premiere of the e-Golf and the new Golf R as well as another model for which the company has yet to reveal details.
The predominant theme of the entire exhibition is ‘Electrifying’, which VW says will be represented through vehicles like e-Golf, e-up! and XL1 as well as the stand architecture, films and show elements. The company aims to create an emotional impact on visitors through exhibits that highlight the link between car, man and technology, connectivity and forward-looking drivetrain technologies developed by the brand.
The architectural centerpiece of the stand, once again in ‘cloud design’, is the main stage with a 61-square meter LED wall. This wall marks the entrance to the ‘Think Blue’ walk which takes visitors past VW’s more efficient models. An ‘Innovation Wall’ provides visitors with information on sustainability, technologies and other innovations.
VW also commissioned Dutch innovation design artist Anouk Wipprecht to create a fashion tech collection exclusively for the motor show, which allows for technical interaction with visitors and the surroundings. The company also promises DJ sessions in an exclusively designed lounge area.
The mammoth stand – which features 3,400 square meters of floor space spread over two floors and a 6,000 square meter glass floor – is the work of 18 architects and designers. It took 11 months of planning and more than 24 days to build. In all, 150 tons of steel, 2,125 square meters of carpeting and over 2,300 lamps requiring some 90km of cables were used in its construction.
We’re looking forward to being waited on by some of the 140 hostesses VW has employed to accommodate visitors.
