Qatar to get its own version of Geneva Motor Show

The organisers of Europe's largest motoring event, the Geneva Motor Show have joined hands with Qatar Tourism. The two partners will jointly organise a biennial event called the Qatar Geneva International Motor Show in Doha.

• Geneva Motor show to continue as normal
• Next iteration to be held from 19-27 February, 2022
• Has been a key event for Indian car brands as well

Geneva Motor show: what happens to the original event?

The event will be held in Switzerland as normal on 19-27 February, 2022, with a related show at the new Middle Eastern venue towards the end of  2022 or 2023. Show organisers have clarified that the Geneva event will continue on an annual basis. The new Qatar Geneva International Motor Show will be the "new world-renowned motor show for the Middle East", according to the organisers.

The Geneva motor show has been held near-annually since its inception in 1905, although the 2022 running will be the first in three years, after the 2020 and 2021 shows were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Qatar Geneva International motor show:  what else is known?

Final dates for the first Qatari running of the show will be confirmed in the coming weeks, said show organisers, who intend to host the show biennially. A "full concept" for the show's new format will be presented at Geneva in February.

Akbar Al Baker, chairman of Qatar Tourism and CEO of the country's flag-bearing airline, Qatar Airways, said: "In line with the national strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, we are expanding our tourism proposition to position Qatar as a world-leading destination and ensure guests enjoy the very best of Qatar.”

“In addition to extensive hotel and resort development, the refurbishment and creation of tourism assets and an expanding culinary scene, hosting internationally renowned events is an important pillar of our strategy. We’re pleased to partner with the highly distinguished Geneva International Motor Show and look forward to a collaborative relationship to bring this eminent event to our shores.”

Meanwhile, Maurice Turrettini, president of the permanent committee of the Geneva International Motor Show, said: "We are very proud and honoured that Qatar Tourism has put their trust in us for the conception of the new motor show in Doha. Our partnership is the result of very trusting and constructive discussions from day one. The joint forces with Qatar Tourism empower us to focus on the upcoming 91st edition of GIMS in February 2022, where we will be able to gather ideas and learnings for the new motor show in Doha.”

Geneva Motor show:  how important is it for India?

The Geneva Motor show has been a key event for brands like Tata Motors who have been participating at the event since 1998.  A handful of Tata cars and SUVs for India were previewed at the Geneva Motor show in concept form, the most recent being the Tata HBX concept that was recently christened into the Tata Punch micro-SUV. Additionally, Mahindra-owned Pininfarina took the wraps of its newest offering, the Battista hypercar at the 2019 Geneva motor show. 

Also see:

Munich Motor Show to be Europe's first since COVID-19 outbreak

Paris Motor show to be held from October 17-23, 2022