The Frankfurt auto show is normally a venue where German car makers show off their sportiest, most technically sophisticated models.
But when this year's show opens next week, it will have a more schizophrenic character — much like the industry itself. Manufacturers are torn between producing models that consume less fuel and those that deliver the most performance, between serving their established customers in the Western world and those in fast-growing emerging markets like China and India.
The rush by German car makers to offer "greener" versions of their most politically incorrect models illustrates the bind many auto makers find themselves in: They are skeptical of customers' willingness to pay extra for fuel efficiency, yet afraid of being left behind should demand for such vehicles take off.
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