This is meant to bring down the overall cost.
Since its hiatus from 2020, which led to the online live stream launch of much-awaited cars like the Koenigsegg Gemera, the road to the Geneva Motor Show's revival has never been straight. However, the latest developments point toward a much-awaited return of the famous international auto expo.
According to Automotive News Europe, the organizers are offering a new and “affordable” concept for exhibitors and visitors, which is meant to bring down the cost in hopes of having a grand comeback. Of note, even before the motor show's cancelation due to the coronavirus pandemic, several automakers, such as Lamborghini, had already pulled out from the event due to the high costs that participation entails. After all, why spend tens of thousands of dollars when you can reveal new products online for free?
Geneva International Motor Show managing director Sandro Mesquita said that the organizers devised a plan to reduce the high cost of exhibiting at the event.
Mesquita said they offer exhibitors pre-configured “plug-and-play” booths. Through the pre-configured booths, exhibitors will no longer need to shell out expenses for constructing their display area, which Mesquita believes will “significantly reduce the high cost of exhibiting.” High-end automakers likely won't show much interest in this, however. Their stands are usually as grand as their cars in a bid to stand out.
Mesquita added that car makers “just need to choose the color of the booth and bring their branding.” He clarified that the pre-configured booths are “smaller and less elaborately designed” than the previous displays. But, car companies can still opt to construct their booths should the budget permit, he added.
Mesquita noted that the Geneva Motor Show organizers are determined to push through with the event, which diminishes speculations that the show's return is half-hearted.
It is said that the “halls in Geneva have been rented and already paid for,” which indicates that the motor show is determined to make a complete comeback in 2024.
The organizers also want to reduce the high costs of hotel rooms as it has now had a signed framework agreement “for reasonable prices with 16 hotels” but did not elaborate on which hotels organizers have agreed with.
The 2024 Geneva Motor Show is planned to run from February 26-March 3 at the Palexpo convention center near Geneva Airport. The show expects around 10,000 journalists and 300,000 visitors to attend the event. The previously announced Qatar Motor Show will still push through this October in Doha.
Keyword: Geneva Motor Show Finally Finds A Way To Make A Grand Comeback In 2023