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Frankfurt Motor Show 2009 Preview

The Frankfurt Motor Show 2009 runs from 17th -27th September to the public Many of the Japanese makers will be conspicuous by their absence, but that should be more than made up for by the launches from the big European makers. And of course the Koreans – in the guise of Hyundai and Kia – will do what they’re starting to do in the market place and fill the gap left by the Japanese. You can already check out all the stories in one place for The Frankfurt Motor Show 2009, but we thought we’d highlight a few of the cars we know are making an appearance, in case you’ve missed them in the last few weeks.

Chrysler unveils new ads to follow 'Halftime in America' campaign

A quartet of 60-second spots from the Chrysler/Fiat group launching this weekend comprises the next installment of the automaker's campaign that began famously during the Super Bowl with the two-minute "Halftime in America" commercial. Or, as Chrysler terms it, this is "the second half." The spots, all the work of ad agency Wieden & Kennedy, Portland, each aimed at a different company brand, are themed to the same "hope and encouragement" message delivered by Clint Eastwood in the campaign's first incarnation and continue the spirit of the "Imported from Detroit" motto. You can watch the ads at www.youtube.com/chrysler.

Solar-powered family car can do 370 miles on a sunny day

This solar-powered family car – aptly named ‘Stella’ by the student team behind the project at the Eindhoven University of Technology in Holland – is truly revolutionary. Apart from proving engineers do have a sense of humour with the name, this all carbonfibre creation can travel over 370 miles on a sunny day and actually contribute energy back to the grid, making this the world’s first ever ‘energy-positive’ car. This has amazing implications for the future… Click on the image above to read more about Stella, the solar-powered family car