Geneva Motor Show opens this week, against the backdrop of poor consumer confidence and tough austerity measures hurting Europe's car market. Media are getting a sneak preview today, two days ahead of its official kick-off.

An Audi A3 is displayed as it makes its World premiere on March 6, 2012, during a press day ahead of the 82nd Geneva Car Show in Geneva, Switzerland. [Xinhua]

Global automakers have suffered setbacks in the region and the event is clouded by the absence of long-term participant, Saab, which went bankrupt last year, as well as Mitsubishi Motors's recent announcement that it would close its Holland based factory.

Carmakers are eyeing emerging markets such as China and India, even as growth in their auto markets stall.

Analysts say the industry faces a more uncertain and complicated landscape this year.