Geneva International Motor Show

When visiting Switzerland, you are generally met with a laid-back lifestyle. You can enjoy trekking in the mountains, snow skiing, sightseeing, dining out, shopping, or visit Geneva where each year, the 10-day International Motor Show is held. This annual event is one of the most popular in all of Europe. There you will have the opportunity to see all the new technology and features of chassis, cars, and accessories.

At the International Motor Show, manufacturers come to show off their latest innovations. These range from electrical prototypes, components, accessories, or if you prefer, you can get involved with workshop installations along with a number of different services all specific to the car industry. The International Motor Show has been appealing to people for 75 years and each year, approximately 750,000 people come to see the latest and greatest.

The exhibition center in Geneva is a multi-purpose complex that includes a massive conference center, the Villa Sarasin, the Geneva Arena, and you will even discover a 19th century manor, completely renovated and now used primarily for business functions or banquets. When you consider that today, more than 800 million cars are on the road you can look back in time and see the incredible changes associated with the automobile. At the International Motor Show in Geneva, you have the chance to see the next phase of automobile design!

The first exhibit was held in 1905 with 17,500 visitors, a large number for that time. Everyone paid two francs, which was considered high dollar in 1905. Still, they came to see for themselves this “horseless machine”. Then a year later, the number of visitors grew and in 1907, the third exhibit was held in Zurich, attracting 90 exhibitors. However, by 1908, the International Motor Show was returned to Geneva where it remains today.

By 1923, the number of visitors to the International Motor Show had increased to 68,000 with 200 exhibitors. Then just a year later, the number of people enjoying this magnificent event had risen to 100,000, requiring the committee to find a larger location to hold everyone plus everything on display. In 1925, construction started on the Exhibition Centre and in the summer of 1926, it was used for the show. Eventually, Zurich again tried to take control over the show but failed. Interestingly, even with the threat of war in 1939, the International Motor Show remained a huge success although the show had to be postponed until 1940.

Today, the Geneva International Motor Show has earned a strong reputation in Europe and around the world. With representation from car and car accessory manufacturers from all over the globe, you will see everything and anything new and exciting. The event has grown to such large proportions that we now see 6,000 journalists from 80 countries coming to report the excitement of the current year.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

Stunning Views of Switzerland
When most people think of Switzerland, they envision a country of beautiful mountains, yodeling, Kitsch clocks, and of course, irresistible chocolate! While it is true that the Germans invented the beloved cuckoo clock,
... continue >>

Geneva Switzerland
When traveling to Switzerland in Europe, you will be greeted by a number of beautiful cities such as Geneva. Today, this magnificent city hosts some 190 organizations to include the UN European headquarters,
... continue >>

Swiss Alps
Just about everyone has heard of the famous Swiss Alps located in the beautify country of Switzerland. If you are looking for a place to vacation, this is it. Rich with a network of trails, quaint villages, incredible
... continue >>