The Geneva Motor Show, held annually in Geneva, Switzerland, has been canceled after 120 years. The organizers cited declining demand and a challenging market environment as the reasons for this decision.
In a written statement, the organizers announced, “Due to an uncertain outlook, the next Geneva Motor Show is planned to be held in Qatar in November 2025 instead of Geneva.” The statement emphasized that the motor show will no longer take place in Geneva, highlighting the significant uncertainties within the automotive industry and the reduced appeal of major European fairs.
Declining Interest in Recent Years
First held in 1905, the Geneva Motor Show was once regarded as one of Europe’s premier motor events, attracting up to 120 participants and approximately 600,000 visitors at its peak. However, in recent years, there has been a sharp decline in both participant and visitor numbers. The show, held at the Palexpo Exhibition Center in Geneva, showcased nearly 1,000 cars annually but was not held for four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last event in 2024 was notably smaller than pre-pandemic shows, missing key exhibitors like Stellantis and Volkswagen Group, and attracting only 168,000 visitors against a target of 200,000.
Response from the Organizers
Alexandre de Senarclens, President of the Comité permanent du Salon international de l’automobile Foundation, expressed disappointment at the decision, stating, “This should not overshadow our efforts and determination to regain our success. However, the lack of interest from manufacturers, the competition from local shows in Paris and Munich, and the investment required to sustain such a show have dealt the final blow to future editions.”
Despite efforts to revive the show, the difficult industry context and competition from other major motor shows have led to the decision to discontinue the Geneva Motor Show in its traditional format. The next iteration in Qatar is seen as a strategic move to adapt to changing circumstances in the automotive industry.
