The Geneva International Motor Show is bidding farewell to Switzerland and relocating permanently to Qatar.
Organizers announced that the renowned auto show will no longer take place in Geneva, citing “ongoing industry challenges and competition.” Instead, the show will be reborn as the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar (GIMS Qatar), with the inaugural event set for November 27 to December 6, 2024, in Doha.
This shift to Qatar marks a new chapter for the iconic event, which began its European journey over a century ago. The transition began in 2021 when a partnership was formed with Qatar’s tourism board, leading to plans for alternating annual shows between Geneva and Doha. However, the pandemic and subsequent logistical challenges forced a more permanent move.
The Geneva show faced a series of setbacks, including a cancellation in 2020 just before it was set to open and further disruptions in 2021 and 2022. Despite hopes for a return to Geneva in 2023, organizers decided to focus solely on the Qatar edition, attributing the decision to economic and geopolitical pressures that impacted automaker participation.
The shift to Qatar promises a warmer climate, potentially boosting attendance and engagement. However, the broader trend of declining interest in traditional auto shows remains a concern. The GIMS Qatar aims to preserve the show’s legacy while embracing a new era in a fresh location.