Trade show proves that car tuning is much more than just a hobby

Mass-produced cars are such a yawner. No wonder so many car freaks are becoming tuners! The seventh edition of TUNING WORLD BODENSEE (30 April to 3 May 2009) in Friedrichshafen showcases the wide range of possibilities offered by vehicle modification. A total of 220 international tuning companies and 154 tuning clubs are using the exhibition to present their innovations to a broad, knowledgeable audience. New highlights on this year's sideline program include the velocity test B@Speed Challenge and a meeting of the Deutsche Truckerclub Gemeinschaft (German Trucker Club Community, or DTCG).



"Germans love their tuning,” says Ben Arnold, himself a tuning expert and managing editor of AUTO BILD SPORTSCARS. "Extra lowriding Golf GTI’s and Opels have become absolute classics.” Speaking in the run-up to TUNING WORLD BODENSEE, Arnold adds that tuning was actually invented in Germany. It was Karl Meier, the founder of auto accessory manufacturer Kamei, who unveiled the first spoiler for series-produced cars in 1953. In the 21st century, auto styling has become an international industry. German tuners such as Brabus, Abt and Mansory are sometimes better known in Russia, Dubai and the US than they are at home. Affordable components make tuning a non-exclusive hobby - for example, sport pedals or door pins can be purchased for less than 100 euros. Of course, anyone looking to customize a standard vehicle that already comes from the factory with a high price tag can easily run up bills in excess of 100,000 euros. 

Eco-tuning remains a hot topic in 2009 - a process that uses electronic modifications to enhance a vehicle's mileage. Daylight headlamps are also popular. This trend initiated by Audi has been well received by the tuning community and vehicles of all brands are now modifiable. Tuning expert Arnold says that this new environmental awareness marks the advent of slightly more modest modding: "Someone who had the cash to buy an orange BMW M5 might now just be satisfied with a 1 Series with implanted 300 hp diesel engine.” Nevertheless, he adds, the urge to tune is definitely here to stay. 

Alexander Métayer, club steward at TUNING WORLD BODENSEE, also senses this enduring enthusiasm: "We again saw a huge display of interest from clubs wanting to get involved in Friedrichshafen. The selection process was again aimed at ensuring that 50 percent of the clubs represented at TUNING WORLD BODENSEE are new.” In a spectacle that reflects the impressive diversity of the tuning scene, the members of 154 clubs from five countries will be presenting their unique, lovingly tuned vehicles in Friedrichshafen this year. When it comes to stand construction at such an event as this, the club scene also demonstrates great dedication. The fact that 30 percent of the cars are driven by women shows that tuning is popular with both sexes. 

A total of 220 international exhibitors from the tuning vehicle and tuning accessory branches are presenting their latest products this year. "This is the place for visitors to experience the sheer diversity of the tuning world,” says Project Manager Dirk Kreidenweiss. TUNING WORLD BODENSEE has evolved to become Europe’s largest exhibition devoted solely to tuning. More than 1,000 modified vehicles and countless innovations will be on display during the four-day event in Friedrichshafen. The sideline program is also once again packed with exciting new features, including a special truck show, a visit from US tuning star Eddie Paul and shows by chart sensation Marquess. "TUNING WORLD BODENSEE is a trade show and a festival with enormous attention to detail,” says Messe Friedrichshafen CEO Klaus Wellmann. "This is where car fans clearly show how much they love their hobby.”