Motor Shows and their Impact on the Automotive Industry

Auto shows have enjoyed a rich and storied history since the invention of the automobile in the 19th century. Today, motor shows have evolved in sophistication, scope, and scale and are some of the most anticipated events on the world’s economic and social calendars. Marquee events such as the recently concluded Dubai International Motor Show, the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit and other global events such as the Geneva Motor Show and the Frankfurt Motor Show are business opportunities that routinely translate into billions of dollars in international trade. Motor shows are far more than exhibitions where manufacturers showcase their latest concepts and unveil upcoming products. They provide manufacturers and distributors with a platform that offers limitless opportunities to network within the automotive industry.

Auto shows bring together a variety of organizations including auto manufacturers, research and development organizations, manufacturers of parts, tires, lubricants, fuels and other ancillary industries at a single venue. This provides all participants with the chance to promote new products and service offerings while engaging with suppliers, customers and trade partners. Automakers usually forge key alliances preceding or following a calendared motor show, making announcements about new and upcoming cars. For example, Audi, BMW, and Alfa Romeo made key announcements about their 2016 launches at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Partnerships and alliances are often announced at these trade shows with ancillary manufacturers seeking to showcase their products to potential investors and building alliances with industry partners. Auto shows are the best face-to-face marketing events that generate thousands of cost-effective business leads over the period of just a few days.

For over two hundred years, auto shows have been about creating an exciting automotive experience for visitors from around the world. From the 1900 Paris Motor Show that showcased the wonder of the automobile to the 2015 Dubai International Auto Show that drew over 90,000 visitors, these shows continue to be the perfect venue for industry professionals and auto enthusiasts to connect with each other and build communities around new and existing automobiles. Automakers vie for attention with concept cars and tuning workshops that also form an important part of auto shows, showcasing the future of auto technologies. Business and consumer networking is one of the most important aspects of an auto show and is an opportunity for exhibitors and potential trade partners to connect with each other.

Auto shows benefit the industry by creating a showcase where auto giants compare their products and services against those of their competitors. Manufacturing teams often compete for the most innovative concept car or most innovative car in a specific segment. This year’s Dubai International Motor Festival witnessed innovations like amphibious cars and models with plenty of innovative features that are just perfect for today’s “smart” customers. Research and development teams also compete in the area of new and lighting or safety solutions, showcasing technological advances that are expected to be part of future vehicles.

Auto Shows bring together exhibitors, visitors and trade partners, showcasing the world’s finest automobiles and fostering competition and innovation among manufacturers, suppliers and auto research groups.