Feeling the need, the need for speed? Then get yourself to Geneva from the 9th of March for a celebration of all things automotive.
The International Geneva Motor Show (Salon international de l’automobile in the original French, which is admittedly a little more exotic) is an annual tradition that has been running since 1905. The 2017 expo will take place in the Palexpo convention centre, revving its engines for the first time at 10am on March the 9th and not applying the brakes until the evening of March the 19th. That’s a whole load of carmageddon in the sleepy Geneva in between.
Showing traditionally neutral form, Switzerland has no automobile industry to call it’s own, making the International Geneva Motor Show a fair playing field for every major and minor retailer in the business to show their pride and joy to attendees. Run by the foundation Comité Permanent du Salon International de l’Automobile à Genève, the Motor Show is a strictly non-profit affair, ensuring that none of the exhibitors will be able to give consumers the hard sell (though this also means you won’t be arriving in a Ford Focus and driving a sports car home); it’s basically the world’s largest showroom. The convention will display thousands of vehicle models either under construction or available for purchase now, divided into seven different categories. Expect shiny new models of a variety of supercars that would send Clarkson into a tizzy to steal the show.
Motor Cars and chassis with 3, 4, or more wheels, electric cars and alternative powered cars; special bodywork motor cars, concept cars and refined cars; accessories and parts for motor cars; OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) – products of the automotive supply industry; workshop installations for repair, storage and maintenance of motor cars; miscellaneous products and services related to the car industry; and animations / attractions are all on offer. There’s also a trade fair taking place on March the 7th, with all invited, as well as a number of debates and discussions surrounding the environmental impact of the industry, and social debates. You don’t get that at a your local garage.
This year’s expo will take place in conjunction with luxury watch manufacturers TAG Heuer, who will be celebrating their relationship with Formula 1. The official timekeepers of the sport, many drivers have worn a TAG Heuer watch their wrist, including Jochen Rindt, winner of the 1970 championship. To celebrate this collaboration, TAG will be displaying a full-scale replica of Rindt’s famous Porsche 911R.
Tickets are on sale for the Geneva International Motor Show now. The price of adult entry is just CHF16, or CHF9 for children and concessions, and further discounts available for groups of 20 or more – peanuts for the prospect of a full day of motorised merriment. If you’re travelling from afar, you can even take advantage of a discounted rate with a Genevalive ticket; just CHF86 will grant access to the show, a hotel for the night of your visit, and complimentary access to public transport throughout the city. If that doesn’t get your motor running, surely nothing will.
