The Geneva Motor Show has come to an end.
Dubbed the "Mecca" of the automotive industry, the Geneva Motor Show has been a staple in trade fairs for nearly 120 years. Despite its status, the recent iteration of this event didn't meet expectations following a multi-year pandemic hiatus. The organizer has confirmed that the Geneva edition of the motor show will discontinue, but assured the Qatar branch will carry on.
Famed for its automotive spectacle, the Geneva Motor Show has entertained crowds since 1905. According to Alexandre de Senarclens, the President of the organizer, lingering uncertainties in the automotive industry, the dwindling appeal of the large European fairs overshadowed by domestic manufacturers, and the steep investments required to maintain the event seem to signal its demise.
Despite its early successes, the Geneva Motor Show has seen a significant drop in both exhibitors and visitors in recent years. The four-year hiatus due to the pandemic painfully highlighted this decline, as only around 20 exhibitors showed up during its return in February 2024. Large automakers notably stayed away. Nevertheless, the organizers plan to continue hosting the Qatar branch of the show, aiming for a comeback in November 2025 in Doha.
Originally held in Geneva, this iconic event's transformation may reflect the ever-changing tides of the automotive industry and the shifting preferences among manufacturers.
