Tradition ends after 120 years
Geneva Motor Show closes its doors
31.05.2024, 18:04
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The Geneva Motor Show is an institution among automotive trade fairs. After a pandemic break of several years, however, a final trade fair did not bring the desired success. The operator announced the end of the motor show – but only in Geneva; it will continue for an offshoot in Qatar.
After almost 120 years, the Geneva Motor Show is history. The trade fair operator announced that it would no longer organize a motor show in Geneva. The uncertainty in the car industry is too great, and the attractiveness of the major European trade fairs has decreased too much.
“The lack of interest of manufacturers in the Geneva Motor Show in a difficult industry environment, the competition from the trade fairs in Paris and Munich, which are preferred by the domestic manufacturers, and the necessary investments in such a trade fair are the final horn for another edition,” explained Alexandre de Senarclens, President of the trade fair operator.
A final look into the hall of the Geneva Motor Show in February 2024.
(Photo: picture alliance/dpa/KEYSTONE)
The Geneva Motor Show was held for the first time in 1905 and was one of the most important car shows in the world for decades. In recent years, however, the number of exhibitors and visitors has fallen sharply. During the Corona pandemic, the Geneva Motor Show had already taken a four-year break. It took place again in February 2024. However, only around 20 exhibitors came. Many big brands were missing.
Meanwhile, the organizers have announced that they will stick with the Qatar Motor Show offshoot, which is scheduled to take place again in Doha in November 2025.