Killer concepts from 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

The exhibition halls at Messe Frankfurt are a fertile hunting ground for lovers of concept cars, as automakers unveil vehicles that give a glimpse of possible future design directions, technologies that might be integrated into forthcoming production models, or pure flights of fancy. This year proved no different, with concept vehicles big and small, practical and absurd, strutting their stuff on the Frankfurt stage.

Although we’ve already cast an eye on some of the leading concepts, such as the Audi Nanuk, Jaguar C-X17, Kia Niro and Infiniti Q30 concepts, we'd be writing exclusively about concept cars until the Geneva Motor Show if we tried to give every concept vehicle in Frankfurt its own spotlight. So, we’ve compiled a one-stop concept vehicle gallery showcasing everything from compact urban commuter vehicles, such as the Smart Fourjoy and Citroen Cactus, through to drool-worthy luxury from the likes of the Mercedes S-Class Coupe and Cadillac Elmiraj. We also take another look at those aforementioned concepts we’ve already covered in detail.

Volkswagen e-load up! concept unveiled at Frankfurt

It's powered by an 82bhp electric motor that offers 210Nm of torque – enough to take it from 0-62mph in 12.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 80mph. The 18.7kWh battery is good for a range of 100miles, and, with fast charging, can be recharded to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes. But Volkswagen say a production version could be ordered with any of the standard up!'s petrol engines.
The rear seats have been removed, creating a loading bay with more than 1,400 litres of capacity. And the front passenger seat also folds down, to free up even more space. It weighs 1.164kg and can carry a total load of 306kg.
It might seem like the tiny dimensions of a city car are ill-suited for a commercial vehicle, but VW see the e-load up! as being ideal for businesses that transport small loads – such as couriers or pizza delivery firms – where its rock-bottom running costs and flexibility will offer a real benefit. The firm also believes it could be useful as a support vehicle for companies operating a fleet of normal sized vans.  
The concept is clearly close to production-ready, too, as Volkswagen say it could be available soon if there is enough demand.