Matthias Wissmann, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry speaks at the Frankfurt Auto Show, September 9, 2013. (Photo: www.iaa.de)

FRANKFURT, Germany Facing another year of dismal sales in Europe, automakers are making their case to consumers this week at the Frankfurt Auto Show, hoping greener vehicles and new technology will convince buyers its time for a new car.

Mercedes-Benz seemed to be particularly gunning for young people, placing the spotlight on its compact B-class electric drive and its smart car-powered car-sharing service. It also showed off a road test in which a driverless car drove itself for 60 miles (100 kilometres).

Volkswagen is displaying four electric or hybrid cars, including an electric version of its small Up! city car and mainstay Golf compact.

A U.S. sales recovery has improved the mood but industry officials say Europe has only stabilized at low levels and a rebound is far off.