The renowned Geneva International Motor Show, a cornerstone of the automotive world since its inception in 1905, is closing its doors permanently. This decision, confirmed by the event’s organizers on Friday, marks the end of a 119-year legacy that witnessed the evolution of the automobile industry from its nascent stages to the modern era.
The once-celebrated showcase of automotive innovation and grandeur, which attracted legions of enthusiasts and industry leaders, has succumbed to dwindling participation from manufacturers and a shifting landscape in global automotive exhibitions.
According to Alexandre de Senarclens, president of the foundation’s permanent committee, the decision to cancel the show was deeply regrettable. “The lack of interest shown by manufacturers in the Geneva Salon, in a challenging industry context, and the competition from domestic shows in Paris and Munich, have dealt a final blow to the event,” de Senarclens stated. This decline in interest, coupled with the significant investments required to maintain the show, prompted organizers to request the dissolution of the foundation responsible for the event .
The Geneva International Motor Show first opened its doors in 1905, captivating 17,000 visitors with its showcase of the latest automotive marvels. The event faced interruptions due to World War I and economic hardships but resumed in 1923.
The show reached its zenith in 2005, boasting nearly 750,000 attendees. However, the COVID-19 pandemic halted the event for four years, and its attempted comeback in 2024 fell short of expectations, with only 37 exhibitors and 168,000 visitors, a stark contrast to the pre-pandemic attendance figures of 602,000 visitors and 184 exhibitors in 2019.
Despite the Geneva show’s closure, the brand will live on through its Qatar edition. The Geneva International Motor Show Qatar, which had a successful debut last year, is set to continue, with the next event scheduled for November 2025 in Doha.
This move underscores the changing dynamics of the automotive exhibition landscape, as emerging markets like Qatar continue to gain prominence, offering new opportunities for showcasing automotive innovation .
For more details on the cancellation of the Geneva International Motor Show, visit Tech Xplore.
