The Geneva International Motor Show Is Dead

The Geneva Motor Show is one of the world’s most respected and beloved international automotive shows. Sadly, it is no more. The Board of the Comité permanent du Salon international de l’automobile Foundation, the body responsible for the show, has announced that it will not organize a future show due to an “uncertain outlook.” First held in 1905, this decision ends a 119-year-long tradition.

So, what are these uncertainties? The foundation behind the Geneva Motor Show says they are linked to what is going on in the automotive industry. Alexandre de Sanarclens, President of the Foundation, describes the decision as regrettable and notes that a lack of interest from automakers has put the Geneva Motor Show in a quandary. “The lack of interest shown by manufacturers in the Geneva Salon in a difficult industry context, the competition from the Paris and Munich shows, which are favored by their domestic industry, and the investment levels required to maintain such a show, sound the final blow to a future edition.”

The End Of An Era

Due to the global pandemic, the 2020 show was canceled days before it was due to open. It took five years for the Geneva Motor Show to make a comeback. The latest show, which took place in February earlier this year, was poorly attended by manufacturers and visitors alike. It’s no surprise that organizers have decided to abandon the show for good.

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As a result of the announcement, the Board of the Comité permanent du Salon international de l’automobile Foundation in Geneva will request to dissolve the Foundation, as it understands that the current market conditions won’t result in success for future Geneva Motor Shows. “Without the commitment and conviction of the GIMS operational teams under the management of Sandro Mesquita, there would have been no show in Geneva, and no show in Doha. The teams had put all their determination into reviving this motor show after the COVID pandemic,” remarked de Senarclens.

The Future Is In Qatar

While the Swiss-based Geneva Motor Show won’t return, GIMS Qatar will carry its legacy forward in the Middle East. Established in 2023, the next edition will take place in November 2025 in Doha. Sandro Mesquita, GIMS CEO, is confident that the show will remain a success. “For its upcoming festival dedicated to automotive excellence, and on the back of a successful first edition, GIMS Qatar can continue to rely on the recognized know-how and skills of the teams who initiated and developed the concept and its implementation.”

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“It’s satisfying to realize that motor shows continue to appeal to brands in different parts of the world and that the Geneva International Motor Show has reinforced its appeal in the Middle East,” added Mesquita. While it is sad, seeing event organizers go this way is not surprising. Last year, several major German automakers pulled out of the Geneva show, and without the appeal of desirable brands, showgoers may lose interest. It’s worth noting that while shows like GIMS Qatar and Auto China remain popular, the world is changing, and many manufacturers would instead make a splash on social media and attention-grabbing campaigns than spend time and money on an in-person reveal. Sadly, this change has killed off one of the world’s most respected and oldest motor shows.

Significant Reveals That Have Taken Place At The Geneva Motor Show

• Renault 5 E-Tech (2024)
• BMW 8 Series Convertible (2019)
• Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2018)
• Aston Martin Valkyrie (2017)
• Lexus LC 500h (2016)
• Hyundai Tucson (2015)
• Pagani Zonda Revolucion (2014)
• Ferrari LaFerrari (2013)
• Porsche Boxster 981 (2012)
• GTA Spano (2011)