The Frankfurt Motor Show starts next week, just a few days after we get back from the Goodwood Revival. Frankfurt is Germany’s most important automotive event and is a critical time for the home teams – BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Porsche and Audi.

New models and outrageous concept cars are what most people crowd into a European motor show for, but this year’s event will no doubt be relatively subdued – Germany’s biggest carmakers, the lifeblood of the country’s economy, are under scrutiny for their role in the ongoing Dieselgate emissions scandal. What’s more, the world is turning its back on their favourite fuel.

The event for passenger cars takes place in Messe Frankfurt, an exhibition centre with several centuries of history as a trade fair venue, on odd years. Even years see the event move to Hanover, where the focus is on commercial vehicles. It tends to attract around a quarter of a million visitors.