The Geneva International Motor Show, a cornerstone of the automotive industry since 1905, will close permanently, organizers announced Friday. This decision marks the end of an era for an event that once drew global attention and showcased cutting-edge automotive innovations.
First held in 1905, the Geneva Auto Show attracted 17,000 visitors and quickly established itself as a premier platform for the automotive world. Despite interruptions due to the economic crises and World War I, the show resumed in 1923 and continued to grow, reaching a zenith in 2005 with nearly 750,000 visitors. The show’s reputation for unveiling significant vehicle debuts made it a must-attend event for automakers and enthusiasts alike.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the show again, leading to a four-year hiatus. When it returned earlier this year, the revival fell short of expectations, featuring only 37 exhibitors and drawing 168,000 visitors. This was a stark contrast to the pre-pandemic figures of 184 exhibitors and 602,000 attendees in 2019.
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,” said Alexandre de Senarclens, president of the permanent committee of the foundation behind the event. The financial and logistical challenges, combined with shifting industry dynamics, led to the inevitable decision to cancel the show permanently.
Organizers also cited the changing landscape of the automotive industry and the diminishing appeal of major European shows as critical factors in their decision. “There are too many uncertainties linked to the automotive industry and the eroded attractiveness of the major European shows to take the risk of investing further into the future,” the organization stated.
Despite the closure of the Geneva event, the show’s legacy will continue in the Middle East. The Geneva International Motor Show Qatar, which launched successfully last year, will return to Doha in November 2025. This continuation aims to capture the regional market’s growing interest in automotive innovations, suggesting a new chapter for the show’s storied legacy in a different locale.
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