The Frankfurt Motor Show is reportedly undergoing a massive upheaval and may not retain its current format for long.
German publication Handelsblatt reports that, at the conclusion of the ongoing show, representatives from various car manufacturers and the VDA automobile association will meet to discuss the future of the event.
In recent years, some of the world’s largest automakers have opted against making appearances at what was once considered the most important car show in Europe alongside the Geneva Motor Show. This year, a significant number of major industry names, such as Toyota, Nissan, Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Volvo, were absent, and many of Germany’s own dramatically reduced their investments in the event.
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This year, BMW cutsits space and budget by almost two-thirds and instead decided to spend some of its money on its NextGen in-house exhibition held at its Munich headquarters in July. Similarly, Daimler cut its Frankfurt budget by 30 per cent this year, and while the Porsche Taycan did celebrate its public debut at the event, it was actually unveiled the week prior in a series of dedicated events.
According to the German publication, the number of exhibitors at this year’s event dropped by 20 per cent and the exhibition space fell by 16 per cent to 168,000 square meters. A source that was present at the show told us there were empty halls which in previous years would have been full.
There have apparently been suggestions to transform the Frankfurt Motor Show into more of a “mobility event” that would be a lot cheaper for carmakers. One thing which appears to be off the table, however, is for a change in location from the Messe Frankfurt, where it is currently held, to another venue.
