The Geneva motor show, one of the biggest European automotive events, has been cancelled indefinitely. The decision was made due to difficult post-pandemic market conditions and the growing competition from other major European shows, such as the Paris and Munich shows. The organisers, Comité Permanent du Salon International de l’Automobile, stated that there was a lack of interest from manufacturers and investing further in the show posed too much risk. This responsible decision was made after recognizing that market conditions in Europe were not conducive to the success of future editions.
The cancellation of the Geneva motor show does not affect the Geneva Qatar motor show, which was first held in Doha in 2023 during the four-year hiatus of the Geneva show. The next edition of the Geneva Qatar motor show is planned for November 2025. Despite the cancellation, President Alexandre de Senarclens emphasized the efforts and determination put into reviving the motor show after the Covid pandemic.
The 2024 Geneva motor show, which took place for the first time since 2019, was considerably smaller than pre-pandemic events. It featured 23 manufacturers displaying their vehicles, with notable omissions including Stellantis and the Volkswagen Group. These omissions were a result of reported bad blood between organisers and manufacturers over monetary losses incurred by the last-minute cancellation of the 2020 show due to Covid spread.
The Geneva motor show, which has been held since 1905, was once regarded as the premier European motor event, attracting up to 120 exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of visitors in its prime. However, with the changing dynamics of the automotive industry and the challenges posed by the pandemic, major European shows like Geneva are facing declining interest from manufacturers and are struggling to maintain their appeal.
The cancellation of the Geneva motor show reflects the larger shift in the automotive industry towards alternative ways of showcasing new vehicles and technology. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to digital platforms, such as virtual launches and online presentations, to reach a wider audience. These digital platforms offer cost-effective solutions and allow for greater flexibility in terms of timing and content. As a result, traditional motor shows are facing increased competition and are finding it difficult to justify the investment and risk involved in organizing large-scale physical events.
Despite the cancellation of the Geneva motor show, car enthusiasts and industry professionals can still stay updated with the latest news and developments in the automotive world through publications like Autocar. Autocar, with its team of experienced journalists, provides in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and insights into the industry. By subscribing to Autocar magazine, readers can ensure that they never miss an issue and stay informed about the latest trends and innovations in the automotive industry.