The board of the "Comité permanent du Salon international de l'automobile" foundation has determined that there are too many uncertainties in connection with the automotive industry and the loss of attractiveness of the major European motor shows to take the risk of planning for the future. This is despite the fact that the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) should reposition and consolidate itself with its relaunch in February 2024 after a four-year absence due to COVID-19. "The efforts and determination with which we have tried to return to success should not be called into question by this very regrettable decision. But the lack of interest from manufacturers in the Geneva Motor Show in a difficult environment, the competition from the Paris and Munich shows, which are favored by local groups, and the investments needed to keep the show alive have made it impossible to continue the event," said Alexandre de Senarclens, President of the "Comité permanent du Salon international de l'automobile" Foundation in Geneva.
A responsible decision
As the Board of Trustees of the "Comité permanent du Salon international de l'automobile" foundation can no longer fulfill its statutory purpose, it will formally request the cantonal foundation supervisory authority (ASFIP) to approve the dissolution of the foundation. This decision is based on the realization that market conditions in Europe are not conducive to the success of future expenditure. "Without the commitment and conviction of the GIMS operational teams under the overall leadership of Sandro Mesquita, neither Geneva nor Doha could have hosted an event. The teams have put all their determination into reviving this Motor Show after the COVID-19 pandemic," emphasizes Alexandre de Senarclens.
The first motor show was held in Geneva in 1905, and the number of visitors rose to more than 700,000 per year.
GIMS Qatar continues on its path in a more favorable environment with a different concept
"GIMS Qatar, after the success of the first edition, will be able to draw on the know-how and recognized expertise of the teams that initiated and developed the concept and its implementation for the upcoming edition of the Festival of Automotive Excellence," said Sandro Mesquita, Director General of GIMS. "It is gratifying to see that motor shows continue to attract brands from different parts of the world and that GIMS Qatar has even increased its appeal in the Middle East," he concluded. The next GIMS Qatar is scheduled for November 2025 in Doha.
