The first three revolutionized the treatment of our soldiers; the fourth mandated the protection of our civilians in times of war; and the fifth proclaims the preservation of our planet a sincere concern. The 80th annual Geneva Motor Show began earlier last week with every major automotive manufacturer featuring more efficient and sustainable cars.  While “green” has been a growing theme at previous car shows, this year it is becoming more than just a PR stunt. It is becoming a holistic attitude to transform entire fleets from apathetically inefficient polluters to more mindful and lighter damagers of the environment.

Companies are showing they care for the environment in a wide array of efficiency-escalating methods. Audi introduced a much more compact A1 which saves weight and fuel.  Mercedes unveiled a striking concept car that has plug-in hybrid technology.  Even Ferrari showed off the new 599 HY-KERS.  It adds an additional eighty horsepower in electric motors while reducing fuel consumption by thirty-six percent.  But Porsche stole the show with its replacement for the Carrera GT: the 918 Spyder.  Strikingly gorgeous combined with a hybrid-electric drivetrain make it a guaranteed winner.

Many car companies, the likes of Honda & Toyota included, may be looking at the convention and saying that stuff is old news.  And while making smaller more efficient cars has already been done by some, the significance of this motor show is that sustainability is now so pervasive that car companies can’t just do it for the PR.  Every single one must actively participate in working to reduce the emissions of their vehicles as the people have demanded.  The “De Facto Fifth Geneva Convention” proves that environmental mandate is becoming a reality.