Huracan Evo

Segment
Coupe

After a two-year absence due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2022 Geneva Motor Show is happening, scheduled from February 19-27. But unlike other major international auto shows, Geneva is sticking with a more traditional car-focused format. Alternative mobility options like bicycles and electric scooters are not invited.

Automotive News Europe confirmed this with the CEO of the Geneva International Motor Show, Sandro Mesquita, as well as other things we can expect next year. "We have a good mix of big automakers and supercar and hypercar makers, as well as some new brands coming from the electric world proposing new solutions for urban mobility. We have 60 exhibitors in total," he said. But again, "urban mobility," in this case, still means cars.

Mesquita did confirm Geneva 2022 won't have as many exhibitors as in the past because of today's economic situation. Automakers are now spending less on auto shows. Fortunately, major brands from the Volkswagen Group, such as Audi and Porsche, will be present, but not Bentley or Lamborghini. Mercedes has not yet confirmed its attendance but BMW, GM, Ford, and Stellantis will be no-shows. Fisker Automotive and Singer, however, will be there. There's still no word on Ferrari's or McLaren's plans.

This is quite a departure from the past when major reveals took place at the Swiss show. The LaFerrari, McLaren P1, and Lamborghini Huracan all had their global debuts there. Despite some notable absences, Geneva will continue to "keep the automobile at the center."

For example, there will be a 984-foot indoor circular test-drive track for electric vehicles. All press conferences will be broadcast on a new digital platform making it possible for global media to see the action without having to physically attend. A new partnership was announced in August between Geneva show organizers and Qatar Tourism to create the Qatar Geneva International Motor Show in Doha. The first bi-annual event aims to happen in either the fall of 2022 or 2023. The main Swiss show will continue to take place annually.

Geneva 2022 may not have the usual big cast of brands attending, but it's still very much in the game. Automakers not attending next year could make a return in 2023.