Lancia is back at the Geneva International Motor Show with the Delta (top), the Ypsilon (middle) and the Musa (bottom) - prestigious cars that showcase the best of European style - on the Swiss ramps along with some Chrysler vehicles sealing their recent alliance.

Lancia is back at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show next week without any new products in sight, instead relying again on special editions of the Delta, the Ypsilon and the Musa, that will be shown alongside several Chrysler vehicles.

For the first time the two brands, which are being linked together by Fiat Group, are displaying in one exhibition area, which Lancia say is "designed to move away from trade show traditions in favour of a more symbolic stand."

Lancia believes, saying in its show preview press release, that this joint showing in Geneva is natural "because the Lancia-Chrysler alliance has strong characteristics precisely on this level: we are talking about two brands that have made the history of the automobile and that now interpenetrate, completing each other like two puzzle pieces that encapsulate the best of what automotive history has produced on both sides of the ocean, two puzzle pieces that, uniting, become a new entity, a kind of new hero of the two worlds that has and will have many new things to say."

The backdrop of the stand comes out of a perfect union of enormous puzzle pieces with images of the two brands, a symbolic fusion of Lancia and Chrysler under the banner of the values that the former will share with the latter: from elegance to technological innovation, from history to the will to shine in the future. Even the floors of the booth take up the puzzle theme to represent the union of the two brands as do the two big platforms, shaped like puzzle pieces, showing off on one side two Lancia Deltas and on the other side two Chrysler 300Cs. In this setting the visitor becomes an essential part of the composition. In fact, the images of the public are transformed into puzzle pieces to complete the puzzle of the booth, thanks to a play of mirrors and video cameras.

On the Lancia/Chrysler stand in Geneva is the new Ypsilon ELLE, a special series created by Lancia in cooperation with fashion label ELLE. To be manufactured this year in a limited edition and marketed in the major European markets, the model on show features a 1.2 60 HP engine and two-tone body colour (matt black/white).  

The spotlight is also on a show car, the Lancia Musa in a world preview, which, on the one hand is inspired by high-end jewellery, and on the other hand pays tribute to the atmosphere of the recent TV commercial featuring the model, starring Audrey Hepburn, the immortal symbol of elegance and beauty. The vehicle on show is a concept car that anticipates a special series to be marketed in the major European markets in the second half of 2010. In addition, with the new version, the Musa range gets an original 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP (Euro5) engine along with the Start&Stop system that lets drivers lower fuel consumption and emissions on the combined cycle by up to 114g/km (109 g/km with robotised transmission), putting the Musa in a leading position in the MPV segment. A confirmation of Lancia Automobiles' consistent focus on the environment through the research and development of concrete solutions accessible to all that can be summed up in the slogan: “The environment is a luxury we want to allow ourselves”.

Alongside these showcars the Delta will be present at the motor show with a special new series with shiny black roof and matt black body. It is the first automobile to sport the exclusive standard paint finish called Hard Black. Equipped with a 1.8 Di TurboJet 200 HP engine and Sportronic automatic transmission, the vehicle on show in Geneva features some interventions on the interior that explore future aesthetic solutions, such as the dashboard in beige and central console with luxurious treatments and new colour combinations. In addition:

The Lancia display is concluded with a Delta Platino equipped with a 1.6 Multijet 120 HP engine with standard DPF as well as Selectronic automatic transmission. Set apart by a two-tone body (white with matt black roof) and by Frau leather interior, this model comes with the characteristic back seat, to date an exclusive of the Executive version. From today even the Gold and Platinum versions of the Lancia Delta come with these cosy and comfortable seats that provide the same comfort as an armchair in business class on an intercontinental flight, besides having a reclining backrest to create lots of legroom, a comfortable feature on long trips. This exclusive treatment at the rear of the Lancia Delta makes it a real modern alternative to bigger, heavier, more expensive sedans with higher fuel consumption levels.

Also, brochures and customised totems at the stand will introduce visitors to the products of FGA Capital, a joint venture of Fiat Group Automobiles and Crédit Agricole specialised in the automotive segment. The company, which offers its services to important car manufacturers, will be operative in Italy and across Europe with a sole mission: supporting the sales of all Fiat Group Automobiles brand vehicles by offering innovative financial products with high value-added services targeted to the dealership network, private customers and companies.

The Lancia stand will have a specific corner dedicated to the growing cooperation between Lancia and Magneti Marelli and technological features realised for Lancia models: the Reactive Suspension System, Adaptive Xenon Lights, the built-in satellite navigation system (Instant Nav) Selectronic robotised transmission and the Blue&Me system, developed jointly by Fiat Group Automobiles, Magneti Marelli and Microsoft, providing hands-free and music player functions.