My year is structured by auto shows. They are the fixed points that separate the seasons. They allow me not only to comprehensively study the latest cars, but they also provide a glimpse of the creative potential in the engineering and design departments of different OEM’s. I don’t want to miss one – some concept cars are shown only at one auto show and then disappear, there’s just one chance to see them. The auto shows all over the globe are embedded in the countries and cultures in which they take place – that’s a large part of what makes them interesting. So, which ones are best? Europe Europe is the automotive heartland. The car was invented here, the most prestigious brands reside here. And there are three fantastic auto shows that take place – Frankfurt alternates with Paris every year and both shows take place in the autumn. Geneva, however, takes place every spring. Frankfurt, of course, is the biggest of all shows in most respects – but that’s not necessarily a good thing. Hiking boots are recommended, as this place is vast. At the end of the day, visitors will have accumulated many kilometres, but they won’t have seen everything. The German brands dominate – and their stands are huge! For those who want to spend a half-day at Mercedes-Benz and another at BMW, this show is perfect. But to see every brand? Not so much. Paris is a slightly more compact show, but still huge. Every major brand is present, and Paris offers the additional benefit of taking place in a breath-taking city. I like it better than Frankfurt – especially if there’s the chance to spend a few extra days in town. The third major European show takes place in Geneva, and it used to be my favourite when coachbuilders and design houses like Bertone and Pininfarina were still a major presence. Today, most of them have disappeared, and this year’s Geneva show was woefully short on news. Moreover, neither the city nor the show bureaucracy make journalists feel particularly welcome. Geneva is losing ground. North America For many decades, the US was the largest market in the world – the car culture is ingrained in the fabric of the country. But the market is self-centred, and a lot of cars shown here are of little importance elsewhere. The Detroit auto show is the country’s lead show, outclassing all the others on US turf. Most carmakers are present, and there is a high density of executives. A few years ago, German carmakers tried to move away from Detroit and shift to Los Angeles, but the attempt failed spectacularly. Detroit remains the most important US show, and it’s dominated by the ‘Big Three.’ This is the place that Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors proudly call home. The Los Angeles show, which takes place in late November, now fights with the New York show for second place. It’s preferred by many Asian carmakers for its proximity to their West Coast headquarters, and by German brands so they can fly in their journalists to a nice location. But it is lacking in important launches, and it’s been treated poorly by American carmakers. On the second press day, the floor is virtually deserted. New York, which happens just before Easter, offers a good general mix of carmakers – but, again, there are not nearly as many launches or executives as in Detroit. There are a number of regional shows, of which only the Chicago show is of marginal importance. But Las Vegas has popped up on the automotive calendar. The year now kicks off with the consumer electronic show CES, significant for its electronics, connectivity and telematics news. In the autumn, the SEMA show is a must for lovers of more (or less) tasteful tuner cars. Asia While Japan is moving sideways, China and India are incredibly dynamic – and that’s reflected in their auto shows. The Beijing and the Shanghai auto shows alternate. At either of them, it’s striking to see the vibrant national scene of manufacturers and the huge strides they’re making. The playful and innovative concept cars shown by local manufacturers are unique, and even the European carmakers put up massive displays. Beyond those two, there is a new auto show emerging in Guangzhou, which I’ll visit for the first time this autumn – instead of Los Angeles, which happens on the same days. The centre of gravity in the auto industry is shifting eastward. While the Chinese car shows are growing strongly, the Tokyo Motor Show is struggling to maintain its status. Taking place in odd years, it’s become a strangely quiet show, and some foreign companies have pulled out. Nevertheless, the creativity of the Japanese auto industry should not be underestimated, and a visit provides a glimpse of a very unique market. What about the Auto Expo? I plan to visit for the first time in 2016 – and I’m looking forward to experience the Indian auto industry on its home turf. It’ll certainly be a can’t-miss event in the years to come.
Write your Comment