For decades, Geneva became the major mecca of the auto industry at the beginning of March. But then there was silence for four years. Now the car circus is returning. However, different than before.
The Geneva Motor Show (officially: Geneva International Motor Show) is celebrating its comeback at the end of February. 2024 is an important anniversary year for the traditional auto show, because in 1924, 100 years ago, the show was held in an international format for the first time. However, from 2020 to 2023, the event was canceled four times in a row. The Corona crisis and the profound changes in the automotive industry presented the trade fair organizers with major challenges. Now a new concept has been developed and the more modestly sized event has been given the motto “Auto.Future.Now”. Essentially, the Geneva Motor Show wants to continue to see itself as a presentation stage for the car industry and less as a mobility trade fair like the IAA. However, only a few well-known car manufacturers followed the event’s call this year. The only European company of note is Renault with its Dacia sub-brand. In addition, two big players come from China, MG Motor and BYD. Lucid and Isuzu fly the flag for the USA and Japan, respectively. In addition, the design company Pininfarina, exotic small-series manufacturers such as Kimera, Micro or Totem Automobili as well as the electric two-wheeler brands DAB Motors and Silence will be present. Only 30 exhibitors left. In total, the motor show this year only has around 30 exhibitors, which is significantly below the level of the previous ones. Corona years. Information about premieres will follow in the coming weeks. The organizers hope – after several years away from the trade fair business – to be able to make a statement that will arouse interest from the automotive industry again. Greater response is expected from exhibitors in 2025. Otherwise, the new Geneva Motor Show aims to be more intellectually challenging, entertaining and informative than in previous years. Among other things, the four themed zones Adrenaline (sports cars), Design District, Mobility Lab (mobility innovations) and Next World (racing simulations) are planned. There is also live entertainment, DJ performances and a large exhibition area where 35 classic car icons are on display. In October, a Geneva International Motor Show took place in Qatar in October. Public days at the Geneva exhibition center are from February 27th to March 3rd.
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