The Geneva International Motor Show: A Glimpse into the Automotive Future

Overview of the Geneva Motor Show

The Geneva Motor Show was founded in 1924 and is the only large-scale car show held annually in Europe. It is unfolded every March and is the main platform for major car manufacturers to launch new products for the first time, known as the "international automotive trend indicator". In March 2012, the 82nd Geneva Motor Show opened, with over 260 exhibitors showcasing their car series and accessories.

Previous Geneva Motor Shows

●2012 Geneva Motor Show

The 82nd Geneva Motor Show was held in Geneva, Switzerland on March 6, 2012. Official days are on the 6th and 7th, while public days are from the 8th to the 18th. According to the organizers of the motor show, the show featured 260 exhibitors, including 30 major automakers from around the world. Numerous new cars were also launched on a global or European level, with several heavyweights slated for global distribution. Notable cars include the new generation Audi A3, the new generation Mercedes A-Class, the Volvo V40, the Ford B-MAX, and the Kia Cee"d etc. High-performance models include the Ferrari F12berlinetta, the new generation BMW M6, the Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse, and the new generation Porsche Boxster, etc.

●2008 Geneva Motor Show

The 78th Geneva Motor Show opened on March 6, 2008, with a public exhibition period of 10 days. More than 260 car manufacturers brought their high-tech new cars to the show in Geneva. The show continued to focus on environmental protection, and the most anticipated part of the show was the launch of several new cars. Infiniti and other brands made their first appearance in Geneva, bringing new cars tailored for the European market. China's independent brand BYD made its first appearance, declaring its confidence and strength in environmental protection with its latest electric car, the F3DM.

●2007 Geneva Motor Show

In 2007, the Geneva Motor Show celebrated its 100th anniversary. For 100 years, the biggest highlight of the Geneva Motor Show has been the large number of new cars and concept cars that have seen their global debuts there. The quantity and quality of these cars outmatched those of other car shows. As a result, we have selected ten new cars which premiered at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show for this piece. Some of these cars were likely to make their debut in China soon, which was why they were particularly noteworthy.

Introduction to the Geneva Motor Show

The Geneva Motor Show is held in an indoor exhibition hall with an exhibition area of more than 70,000 square meters. Although the area is not large, it is a must-contest place for world-renowned automobile manufacturers that produce luxury cars! During the exhibition, the hotels in Geneva are fully booked. Due to the large number of people, many people have to stay in Lausanne, Zurich, Bern, and even nearby France. As a result, it brings considerable tourism income to these places.

The exhibits at the Geneva Motor Show are not only the latest and most cutting-edge products of various auto manufacturers but also extremely luxurious models. Because major companies have chosen the Geneva Motor Show as the place to first launch their newest and best models, this has earned the reputation of the show as an "International Automobile Trend Indicator".

The Geneva Motor Show does not discriminate. Although general international auto shows are called "international", they often tilt towards the host country in terms of exhibition hall size and supporting facilities. Automobile manufacturers from the host country often occupy one or two exhibition halls. But at the Geneva Motor Show, no such "special care" can be seen. Whether it is an auto giant or a small manufacturer, they can all find a place to exhibit at the Geneva Motor Show. Even materials from various car shows are "treated equally" and printed in several versions such as English, French, and German.

In addition to traditional vehicles and new energy vehicles, special body designs, modified vehicles, automobile maintenance and repair, and parts and services related to the automobile industry are also important contents of the Geneva Motor Show.

The Geneva Motor Show began on April 29, 1905, when it was called the "Swiss National Automobile and Bicycle Exhibition", mainly exhibiting internal combustion engines, steam-powered cars, and bicycles. In 1907, the show moved to Zurich. However, the show was suspended twice from 1908-1922 and 1939-1946. The organizer of the Geneva Motor Show is the International Association of Automotive Industry.

The relationship between automobiles and ecology and environmental protection is an "evergreen" topic at the Geneva Motor Show. At the Geneva Motor Show, global automobile manufacturers not only show their latest products to the public but also pay more attention to ecological and environmental concepts. Starting in 2009, the organizers set up a special exhibition area for electric vehicles, new-energy vehicles using biofuels or clean fuels, called the "Green Hall". In 2012, more than 20 low-energy, hybrid, or all-electric "green" cars appeared in the "Green Hall".