Brand boss Antonio Baravalle introduced Lancia's stylish, upmarket model presentation in Frankfurt this morning, and revealed that a 'surprise' would be in store at the Geneva Salon next March.

Baravalle - who became the responsible Lancia brand manager last year when the incumbent, Luca De Meo, was switched to Fiat - took to the floor this morning to introduce the Lancia show cars which will be on display throughout the 61st Frankfurt IAA, Germany's leading motor show, and the most important automotive gathering of the autumn calendar. Softly spoken, he though presents a quiet determination to get on with the job of reviving the famous Lancia name, undoubtedly a highly difficult job to achieve in the current market conditions.

After years of neglect and very few genuine new model introductions, the resurgence of the Lancia brand over the last two years has been nothing short of miraculous. Saved from execution by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, who overrode a desire by then Fiat Auto CEO Herbert Demel to sweep Lancia asunder, the 'luxury' brand has seen its sales growing steadily, spearheaded by the highly regarded Ypsilon.

In Frankfurt today Baravalle spoke at length of Lancia commercial resurgence, but admitted there was a long way to go.
 

He told the media that the whole Lancia network from senior managers to dealers was being examined, and he cited the recent performance of the brand in France - where sales are up by 60 percent year on year after a focused restructuring and fresh investment strategy - as an good example, although bearing in mind that they were starting from a very low point.

Baravalle made his presentation beside the new Ypsilon Momo Design, a model which he was pleased to introduce to the assembled media. Finished in orange, the Ypsilon Momo Design is surrounded by soft features on the stand which reflected the car's colour, while even the staff's uniforms were partially finished in this hue. Two other new versions were presented - the two-tone Musa Platino⁺ and the Phedra Unique Edition. Baravalla said that the majority of Musas being sold were finished in 'Platino' specification, so it made logical sense to thus enhance this model's equipment and trim levels levels even further.

The Phedra Unique Edition is a one-off show car. Fitted with flat-screen TV's mounted in the backs of the front seats it features an opulent rear area. This includes rear seat mounted TV remote controls, an upgraded floor covering with switch-operated, raising footrests, and a mini-bar that can be opened by operating electronic controls. The new floor covering extends to the boot, and with its bright leather finish the Phedra Unique Edition is a very luxurious form of transport, fitting in perfectly with Lancia's brand philosophy of understated excellence. Baravalle said that Lancia would consider the reactions this show car received, and production could become a distinct possibility.

Baravalle closed the press conference by saying that a 'surprise' would be in store at the Geneva Salon next March, although he remained tight lipped about what it would be. Speculation quickly centered around either a revival of the fabulous Fulvia concept sport coupé - shown here two years ago to widespread acclaim - or possibly a design mock-up of the forthcoming mid-size model which will see the glorious Delta name revived.