Frankfurt - Green technology, such as fuel-saving, is to be a key selling point at this month's Frankfurt car show, the IAA, an organizer said Wednesday.

Nissan and Daihatsu will be absent from the event, which is held every two years and is Europe's main car showcase, Matthias Wissmann, president of the VDA association of German automotive manufacturers, confirmed.

A total of 62 manufacturers will show cars and 691 other firms will show related parts and services. In all, 82 new models will be unveiled at the September 17-27 event.

"It'll be a fireworks display of innovation," Wissmann said. "The new models prove that the automobile industry is pro-actively responding to the challenges of climate change and vehicle safety."

New European Union emissions rules have been pushing carmakers to reduce fuel use by engines.

Exhibitor numbers have fallen by 7 per cent since the last car show in 2007 and exhibition-space rentals have fallen 15 per cent to 185,000 square metres. The organizers expect 750,000 visitors.

The theme at the IAA or international motor show alternates annually between cars and trucks. In odd-numbered years, IAA Cars is held in Frankfurt. In even-numbered years IAA Commercial Vehicles is held in Hanover.

Internet: www. iaa. de (dpa)