The inaugural Melbourne event of the Australian International Motor Show features more than 50 concept vehicles and future models.

The large number of new releases is a reflection of the improving economics in the Australian automotive industry and the commitment that manufacturers are making to the new one-show-per-year format which alternates the event between Sydney and Melbourne every year. Most manufacturers are displaying four or five new models and concept cars. While concept cars will always steal the show with their exotic looks and radical engineering, there is a number of new models being unveiled at this show aimed in attracting the new car buyer.

In the elite department of ‘toys for the boys’ (and girls), supercars and high-end luxury cars feature highly, such as the sleek V12 Lamborghini Aventador, the production version LP700-4 of the all-intimidating Lexus LFA, the super fast Maserati Stradale and the new Bentley Continental GT. For all the local rev-heads into affordable horsepower, HSV unveiled their Black Edition and FPV is displaying its 335 Boss GT-P – Even if they don’t look too exotic, the Aussie supercars deliver more bang per buck than any other performance marque in the world. For the first time ever in Australia, Audi is displaying the exclusive and rare Audi R8 GT (one of only 333 in the world), as well as the new technologically advanced A6 luxury sedan. Jaguar is featuring its upgraded supercharged XF sedan, while Land Rover has the new Range Rover Evoque five-door with a striking red paint treatment on display.

It’s not all high priced luxury, exotic and sports, with a large number of cars in the family and ‘bread and butter’ affordable price end for most of the ordinary people. Most impressive is the Hyundai Veloster three-door sports car, the curvaceous Elantra and the Accent. Toyota is also debuting its all new Yaris city car and new Hilux. Peugeot is present with a brand new diesel 508 sedan and wagon, while the best seller 308 had a face lift for 2012.

The Skoda factory will double its model range with the Fabia and the Yeti which are on show, adding to the new Octavia and Superb. Volkswagen’s impressive Scirocco R coupe is on display and Subaru’s new Impreza sedan is making its very first impressive appearance at the Australian International Motor Show. In addition, Kia and Mercedes-Benz have teasing glimpses of at least nine upcoming models between them. Holden’s new Cruze hatchback makes its appearance straight from the Paris Motor show and Ford also has a good line-up of cars for the local market. The one-stop car-shop Australian International Motor Show, is on at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre until Sunday 10 July.