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Starting Thursday, 7 March, Geneva’s 83rd International Motor Show opens its doors to the public for ten days of exhibitions and events. The annual show features more than 900 cars from 200+ automakers on display.

Image credit: Greencardesign.com

Image credit: Greencardesign.com

So, why should you attend this year’s show? Here are a few reasons:

  • If you’re interested in green technology, approximately 10% of the cars on display will be designated “green” (i.e., cars powered by alternative technologies or with less than 100 g/km CO2 emissions). See a list of green cars by clicking here and a preview of this year’s green cars by clicking here.
  • Plenty of models will be making their debut at the motor show. See a preview of 10 of those cars by clicking here.
  • The Geneva motor show is recognized as neutral territory for automakers because, unlike motor shows in cities like Frankfurt (Germany), Tokyo (Japan), and Detroit (United States), Geneva does not have an auto industry of its own.
  • For the first time this year, the motor show will incorporate the Geneva Future Mobility Forum (GFMF), conferences and debates on a variety of auto-related topics that are open to the public and included in the price of admission. See a list of the scheduled conferences by clicking here.
  • Premiers and concept cars from carmakers like McLaren, Ferrari, and Lamborghini are always a big draw at the motor show, but if you’re looking to purchase a new car, you can also explore the newest models from manufacturers that cater to any budget.
  • Looking for an activity to do with your family? The show is open on two Sundays (10 and 17 March), days when there is typically little else open in Geneva. Child care is provided on site, too (see below).
  • Looking for a unique date night activity? Doors stay open until 20:00 on weekdays and 19:00 on weekends, plus tickets purchased at the door after 16:00 are half price.
  • Feeling lucky? Peugeot is giving away a brand new Peugeot 208 GTi. More information is available here.
Image credit: Greencarreports.com

Image credit: Greencarreports.com

Getting to the International Motor Show

The International Motor Show is held at Palexpo, Geneva’s 108,000m² convention center located next to the airport. View an access map of the area by clicking here.

Traffic jams in and around Geneva are notorious during the motor show, especially late in the day and on weekends. People traveling to Palexpo from Geneva’s city center are strongly encouraged to take public transportation, such as a bus (several run every 6-10 minutes) or one of the many trains to the Geneva Airport.

Special event trains run during the show; find a train connection that suits your schedule on the timetable by clicking here. Plan your trip on Geneva’s tram and bus system (TPG) by clicking here; a list of buses that serve Palexpo and/or the Geneva airport is viewable by clicking here. More information about getting to Palexpo is available by clicking here.

Image credit: index11.ch

Image credit: index11.ch

Admission: Tickets & Tips

Doors open Monday through Friday, 10:00-20:00 and weekends, 9:00-19:00. Admission costs 16 CHF for adults, 9 CHF for children aged 6 to 16, and CHF 11 per person for groups of more than 20 people. TIP: Half-price same-day tickets are sold on site after 4 p.m.

Combined transport + admission tickets are available through SBB CFF FFS (Switzerland’s train system) and Unireso (Geneva’s TPG public transport system). Click here for more information on combined tickets through SBB. Click here for details on combined tickets through Unireso.

Tickets are sold on site at Palexpo, online, FNAC Switzerland, FNAC France, or through Unireso and SBB CFF FFS. Click here to see ticketing options.

Other Resources

Childcare: An on-site nursery is available for children aged 3 months to 7 years; there is no charge for the first hour. Each additional hour costs 6 CHF.

Food and drink: Provided by Palexpo Restaurants, there are six à la carte restaurants on site as well as many bars and snacks available throughout the facility.

iPhone/iPad: A mobile app for the iPhone or iPad is available to download free of charge. Click here to preview the app. Connect to Palexpo’s WiFi service with a prepaid card sold at Exhibitor’s contact door E13.

Home page of the International Motor Show in English: http://www.salon-auto.ch/en/index.php

Tell us! Are you planning to attend this year’s auto show? Do you have any tips on how to get the most out of your auto show experience?

Special thanks to the participants of the AIWC’s The Art of Blogging Workshop Series for their work on this post!

We are a group of international women living in Geneva, Switzerland.  If you would like to join the AIWC, please visit our website at http://www.aiwcgeneva.org/.