It is an understatement to say that auto shows, those grand events that once captivated the childhoods of our grandparents and parents, are no longer as popular. The retreat had already begun before the health crisis, and Covid finished them off.
Although some have tried to rekindle the flame here and there, the revivals are currently minimal. The Munich Motor Show has replaced the Frankfurt Motor Show in a new format.
Instead of attracting the public to the outskirts of the city at the exhibition center, the Bavarian event has chosen to engage with them by creating an exhibition area in the heart of the city. In alternate years with the German event, the Paris Motor Show is returning to the Porte de Versailles for the second time this October (14th to 20th).
It is eagerly anticipated. The 2022 edition did not leave a great impression because many leading manufacturers were absent.
Cancelled at the last minute in 2020—exhibitors were in the process of setting up their stands—due to the confinement measures taken by much of the world, the Swiss car show is struggling to get back on track. While it was relocated to Qatar at the end of 2023, the organizers were determined to continue the tradition on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Thus, the 91st edition will indeed take place in Geneva from February 27 to March 3 next year. However, this year will not be the one in which the event regains its former glory, mainly due to a lack of manufacturers.
Renault has chosen Geneva to unveil its R5 Electric, which is undoubtedly its major event of 2024. The French manufacturer will share the spotlight with a group of Chinese manufacturers.
The event will also serve as the launch for the Cyberster roadster, which visitors to the Rétromobile show were able to discover last week at the Porte de Versailles. The first area, called the “Adrenaline Zone,” will be dedicated to exceptional cars, supercars, and racing cars.
The third space, “Mobility Lab,” will take visitors into the future through the presentation of technological innovations that will revolutionize individual mobility. This will also be an opportunity to travel through time with an exhibition showcasing the major developments in safety over the past hundred years.
Another feature is the exhibition of vehicles that made their first public appearance in Geneva. This will include the 1961 Jaguar E-Type registered as 9600 HP, and the 1964 Porsche 901.
Around 35 models are expected to be presented. Finally, the press day will be marked by the announcement of the Car of the Year 2024.
The seven finalists are the BMW 5 Series, the BYD Seal, the Kia EV9, the Peugeot 3008, the Renault Scenic Electric, the Volvo EX30, and the Toyota C-HR.