After 119 years of history, the mythical Geneva Motor Show (GIMS for its acronym Geneva International Motor Show), the traditionally most important event of the season in terms of new model launches, is closing forever. This was announced by its organizers on May 31.
His farewell was an open secret after the pandemic and other aspects such as the increasing presence of digital presentations hit hard. In 2023 it was tested transfer the essence of Geneva to Qatar and, although it did not work out badly in terms of presence and visitors, nostalgia for Palexpo led the organization to alternate the exhibition between Switzerland and the Middle East.
From now on the reference moves to Qatar
However, the latest official communication reports that There will be no more appointments in the vicinity of Lake Geneva; All those held from now on - we still do not know if with the same name or with a different poster - will take place in the country that borders the waters of the Persian Gulf.
The truth is that, during the last Geneva Motor Show held on European soil, the number of manufacturers that came to exhibit their products was very small... at least, by what was popular before 2020. Although relatively young brands such as Pininfarina, Microlino, MG and BYD wanted to be present to show their latest creations to a new audience, the rest of those that command the sales lists in the Old Continent were spared the trouble. Only the Renault Group set up a stand with models from both the Rhombus and Dacia... and they had a good reason, since the new Scenic was going to be named COTY Car of the Year.
Geneva, a goodbye that hurts
The causes mentioned above are joined by many others that lead to the sad goodbye. Perhaps the most important are the high cost for brands when attending as exhibitors (or, rather, having found a better individualized and enhanced alternative through social networks), the great competition from fairs such as those in Paris or Munich, supported by local groups such as Stellantis, BMW or Audi; and the interest of Arab countries in bringing to their territory an event with such vast prestige and history.
The fact is that up to this point the letters linked to a Geneva Motor Show that has left so much good in the four-wheel industry are written. It is enough to cite a few examples, such as Fiat 600, the Lamborghini Miura, the Audi Quattro, the Ferrari LaFerrari or the Bugatti Chiron, among many others, to realize that it was not just another fair on the calendar.