The Geneva motor show, one of the biggest automotive events in Europe, has been indefinitely cancelled. The decision was made by the organisers, who cited difficult post-pandemic market conditions and growing competition from other shows as the reasons behind their choice. The show will not be returning in the future, as investing further was deemed too risky. This decision was described by the organising committee as a responsible one, considering the lack of interest from manufacturers and the current state of the automotive industry.
The cancellation of the Geneva motor show does not affect the Geneva Qatar motor show, which was first held in 2023 during the Geneva show’s four-year hiatus. The next edition of the Qatar show is scheduled for November 2025. Despite the cancellation, President Alexandre de Senarclens emphasized the efforts and determination put into reviving the motor show after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 2024 Geneva motor show was the first to take place since 2019, and it was noticeably smaller than previous events. Only 23 manufacturers displayed their vehicles, with notable absences including Stellantis and the Volkswagen Group. These omissions were a result of tensions between organisers and manufacturers over losses incurred by the last-minute cancellation of the 2020 show due to Covid-19. In its heyday, the Geneva show attracted up to 120 exhibitors and around 600,000 visitors.
The cancellation of the Geneva motor show raises questions about the future of major European shows and their relevance in the rapidly changing automotive industry. With manufacturers showing less interest and other shows gaining popularity, it is clear that the landscape is shifting. The pandemic has undoubtedly played a role in these changes, but it is also an opportunity for organisers to rethink and adapt their strategies.
In conclusion, the cancellation of the Geneva motor show is a significant blow to the European automotive industry. It reflects the challenging market conditions and growing competition faced by major shows. The decision to cancel was seen as a responsible one, considering the lack of interest from manufacturers and the uncertainties within the industry. It remains to be seen how this will impact future shows and whether organisers will find new ways to attract manufacturers and visitors.
