Techno Classica Essen, which claims to be the world's largest classic car show, has opened its doors this weekend for the 2011 edition and, thanks to the collaboration with AutoStadt, the important automotive museum based in Wolfsburg, Italdesign Giugiaro has a leading role in the event with eleven significant models on display.

On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the automobile, AutoStadt is showcasing vehicles that are recognised as genuine automotive milestones and all of them bear the signature of Giugiaro. Along with Aztec, Aspid and Asgard, the three concept cars cars introduced in 1988 for the 20th anniversary of Italdesign Giugiaro, some eight production models and prototypes: the first-generation VW Passat (1973), VW Golf (1974) and VW Scirocco (1974), Seat Ibiza first series (1984), the Audi 80 second series (1978) and the Lamborghini Gallardo (2002), to end with the research prototype Volkswagen W12 Nardò (2001).

On this occasion the 23rd world fair for vintage, classic and prestige automobiles, motor sport, motorcycles, spare parts and restoration – Techno Classica Essen reflects during the five fair days in all until 3rd April 2011 the continuous growth of the national and international classic sector. Techno Classica Essen aims to present all facets of this prospering industry. More than 180,000 visitors from more than 40 nations are expected – and more than 1,150 exhibitors. The interest of international buyers in the Techno Classica Essen of the year 2011 is set to increase again with than 2,500 collector's cars for sale which will make the event the most successful market of the world for classics.

Techno Classica Essen has also had success in attracting manufactures and this year's edition sees Mercedes-Benz celebrating 125 years automobile, BMW looking back on 75 years with the BMW 328 and 50 years of the "New Class", Volkswagen Classic will address to the area of the 'cabriolet', Opel will point towards the 150th anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2012 while the motto of the Ford-stand is "80 years made in Cologne". Other importers taking part include Peugeot, Citroen and Alfa Romeo.

The sale- and exhibition-range of the Techno Classica Essen covers all fields of the international classic sector. It kicks off the classic season and presents restorers, dealers of automobile literature, spare parts, sellers of accessories, clock and technology dealers, as well as artists and art dealers and, not least, dealers and manufacturers of model cars. Also the ancillary industry, which has discovered the topic of the vintage car sector as a profitable business area in recent years, is represented by a larger number this year, while the more than 200 registered clubs for classical vehicles and collectors' cars provide an additional superlative: they make Techno Classica Essen the event it is.