Europe is left without one of the largest car shows
The Geneva Motor Show has been held continuously every year since 1980 except for 2020, a result of the global pandemic. And of course, always in Switzerland as a showcase for the best world car news. Something that will change in 2023, for the GIMS (Geneva International Motor Show) will be brought to Qatar.
This is how the decision has been announced by the Permanent Committee du Salon international de l’automobile de Genève: “Due to the uncertainties of the world economy and geopolitics, as well as the risks related to the development of the pandemic, the organizers have decided to focus exclusively on the planning of the event in Doha in 2023”.
Those were the words of Maurice Turrettini, Chairman of the committee. Although for the moment, it is stated that the GIMS will be held exclusively in Qatar in 2023, according to the decision of the committee members and the Foundation Council at a meeting held in Bern.
Already at the end of 2021, the celebration of the 2022 edition was postponed until 2023, and contacts with Qatar were evident. Originally, the plan was to hold two editions: the first between February 14 and 19, 2023 at Palexpo in Geneva and the second as a world premiere in November in Doha, Qatar.
“We have done everything possible to be able to host GIMS 2023 in Geneva in February. The project and the improved format of the event had been very well received. But in the end, the risks outweighed the opportunities,” said Turrettini.
“Our team has worked very hard to ensure that GIMS 2023 could be held in both Geneva and Doha. [ ] In these uncertain times, many brands are not in a position to commit to participating in a show in Europe in winter,” said Sandro Mesquita, General Director of the Geneva International Motor Show.
The cancellation of the event in Switzerland is a blow to many fans and brands. The first edition outside European territory will take place 4,628 kilometers away and will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), as well as in various decentralized venues that will offer unique experiences to visitors and brands.
The forecast is that the GIMS will be held in the Arab country every two years, alternating with the main location in Switzerland. A lesser evil whose decision and results will have to be analyzed next year by the press, brands and fans of the automobile world.
