While several carmakers spent their time in the Geneva spotlight to introduce their latest new models, proceedings were dominated by eco-friendly concepts, models and attitudes.

BMW's display is dominated by its Efficient Dynamics concept with its stand surrounded by a double-decker expo highlighting its range's low carbon emissions numbers — each car bearing its CO2 output like race numbers on its flanks.

Central to all this was an X5 diesel hybrid powered by a turbodiesel-electric kinetic energy recovering hybrid producing some 155kW. BMW's clean energy exhibition clearly overshadowed normal debuts the likes of M3 Sedan and Cabriolet and X6 this year.

Mercedes-Benz went one better with a Bluetech diesel hybrid C-Class and GLK Vision concept, but it did not forget its normal range and celebrated the arrival of new SL, SLK and GLK.

Other highlights from Geneva so far include Renault's first real SUV, Koleos, its sassy Megane Sport Concept and Laguna GT — perhaps the Regie's most exciting newcomer for quite a while.

Nissan's new Murano took centre stage alongside GT-R on its Euro debut and Honda's decidedly more chic, upmarket latest Accord looks quite impressive. Mazda's little 2 has spawned a three-door but parent Ford was in full flight — its dramatic new Fiesta taking a page from 2's book in being lighter while better in every way, too. Ford also showed its neat Kuga baby SUV

Next up Volvo showed the new XC60, Jaguar displayed the hot XKR S and Land Rover its new LFX concept alongside its 60th birthday Defender.

Suzuki's entire range is of interest this year — it returns to SA in force in a couple of months...

Come back later for more live action as it happens in Geneva right here on motoring.iafrica.com...