The Comité permanent du Salon international de l'automobile announced that difficult post-Covid market conditions, uncertainties in the automotive industry, a lack of interest from manufacturers, and competition from other shows have made continuing the event too risky. This decision follows the first show since 2019, held in 2024, which saw significantly fewer visitors and notable absences from major manufacturers such as Stellantis and Volkswagen Group.
Challenges stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic have driven down interest and feasibility for hosting large-scale events like the Geneva Motor Show. Particularly reflective of these challenges was the recent 2024 show, where only 23 manufacturers exhibited—a sharp decline from its peak years where it hosted up to 120 exhibitors and attracted around 600,000 visitors annually. Additionally, strong competition from established shows in Paris and Munich further diminished Geneva's appeal to global carmakers.
Despite these setbacks within Geneva’s segment of their operations, plans for related events remain intact elsewhere. For instance, Doha's automotive show is still scheduled for November 2023 and is not affected by Geneva’s cessation. This new pivot towards Doha was initiated during a hiatus that started in 2019 for the Geneva show due to escalating uncertainties.
Historically, Geneva has been a pivotal platform since its inception over a century ago, shaping trends and showcasing innovations within the automotive sector. Its indefinite closure marks a significant shift but reflects broader changes within global market conditions and industry priorities.
In earlier controversies such as the abrupt cancellation of the 2020 Geneva Motor Show due to COVID-19 concerns—just days before opening—manufacturers faced financial burdens due to incurred expenses without any resultant benefits. These past issues have put additional pressures on decision-making processes for future plans.
Source: Autocar