After 120 years of dazzling car enthusiasts, the iconic Geneva Motor Show has come to an end. The decision follows a disappointing turnout at the 2024 edition, where only 37 exhibitors participated at Palexpo in February.
Alexandre de Senarclens, president of the Comité permanent du Salon International de l’Automobile (CPSIA) Foundation, expressed deep regret over the decision. “It’s a tough pill to swallow, but the lack of interest from manufacturers, especially given the challenging industry conditions, the fierce competition from Paris and Munich, and the hefty investments needed, has sealed the fate of the Geneva Salon,” he stated.
Since its inception in 1905, the Geneva International Motor Show had been a premier event, once attracting 120 exhibitors and 600,000 visitors across all seven halls of Palexpo. However, the show faced significant hurdles in recent years. The 2020 edition was abruptly canceled due to the pandemic, and in 2023, the CPSIA opted to relocate the event to Qatar, marking a four-year hiatus from Geneva.
The 2024 edition, scaled down to just one hall, managed to draw 168,000 visitors. Among the few notable participants was Renault, the sole major European carmaker to attend. In contrast, Chinese-owned manufacturers dominated the show floor, with only 19 manufacturers unveiling new vehicles.
Despite the Geneva show’s decline, the CPSIA is not abandoning the motor show concept entirely. They plan to continue their partnership in Doha, Qatar, with a 10-day Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) Qatar scheduled for November 2025.
Sandro Mesquita, CEO of GIMS, remains optimistic. “The success of our first edition in Qatar and the ongoing appeal of motor shows in different regions highlight the enduring appeal of the Geneva International Motor Show, especially in the Middle East. We’re excited about the future and the potential to create another festival dedicated to automotive excellence,” he remarked.
So, while the curtain falls on the Geneva edition, the spirit of the show lives on in Doha, promising to bring automotive innovation and excitement to new audiences.
