Organizers have confirmed the permanent closure of the Geneva International Motor Show after a remarkable 119-year run. This decision marks the end of one of the automotive industry’s most prestigious events, which first opened its doors in 1905.
The Rise and Fall of a Legendary Event
The inaugural Geneva International Motor Show captivated 17,000 visitors in 1905, laying the groundwork for what would become a beacon for automotive innovation. Despite the initial success, the show faced interruptions, including a hiatus during World War I and an economic crisis. It resumed in 1923 and flourished, reaching a zenith in 2005 with nearly 750,000 attendees, cementing its place as a must-attend event for automakers and enthusiasts alike.
Challenges and Decline
The COVID-19 pandemic struck a severe blow to the event, causing a four-year hiatus. The show’s attempt to rebound in 2024 saw only 37 exhibitors and 168,000 visitors, a stark contrast to the 602,000 attendees and 184 exhibitors in 2019, the last pre-pandemic show.
Alexandre de Senarclens, president of the permanent committee of the foundation behind the event, expressed deep regret over the closure, attributing it to a “lack of interest shown by manufacturers in the Geneva Salon in a difficult industry context.” He also cited the fierce competition from Paris and Munich’s domestic industry-favored shows and the prohibitive investment required to sustain such a grand event as key factors in the decision.
The Legacy Lives On in Qatar
While the Geneva show bids farewell, its spirit endures in the Middle East. The Geneva International Motor Show Qatar will continue its journey, following a successful debut in 2023. Set to return in November 2025, the Doha edition promises to carry forward the legacy of innovation and excitement that the Geneva show cultivated for over a century.
For more details, visit the official announcement.