The Geneva International Automobile Show unveiled a record 130 World or European premiers in 2008, the largest in the 78 years of the show.

Images: 2008 Geneva International Automobile Show

The Geneva show, which returns to the Geneva PALEXPO from March 5-15, 2009, also showed off many displays of new ecological technologies. In addition, there is an increased representation of manufacturers from developing countries, whose models are following all of the latest trends.

The Tata Nano, from India's Tata Motors, was at the Geneva show, the first major show since the car was unveiled earlier this year. The car costs around $2,500 and seats four people.

"Tata Motors' engineers and designers gave their all for about four years to realize this goal (of a safe, affordable, all-weather form of transport for a family of four)," Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata said. "Today, we indeed have a People's Car, which is affordable and yet built to meet safety requirements and emission norms, to be fuel efficient and low on emissions."

The goal of 700,000 visitors to the Geneva International Automobile Show was well exceeded with a final total of 714,559 entries. Close to 10,000 representatives from the print, audio-visual, and electronic media came from all over the world, which is another new record.