The Munich Motor Show has big shoes to fill as it replaces the Frankfurt Motor Show and is set to kick off on September 6th.
However, things aren’t looking good as Opel has reportedly decided to pass on the event. That’s a major blow and it would be a bit like Ford or GM skipping the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Automotive News Europe reports the absence was confirmed by a Stellantis spokesperson who told the publication, “The brands of the Stellantis Group will not participate in this year’s IAA in Munich.” While there was little doubt that most of Stellantis’ brands would skip the show, Opel was said to be considering the event and apparently decided against it. This is unfortunate for attendees as the show likely would have been their first chance to check out the redesigned Astra, which will be unveiled in August.
Also Read: Bye-Bye, Frankfurt, Welcome Munich Motor Show From 2021
The decision is the latest blow for the Munich Motor Show as it was reported earlier this year that the Volkswagen Group will only have a small presence at the event. Audi, Cupra, Porsche and Volkswagen are set to attend and they’ll reportedly be joined by BMW and Mercedes as well as Dacia, Ford, Polestar, Nio and Wey.
Officials have previously downplayed the relatively slim lineup of automakers by saying, “IAA Mobility is changing from a pure car show to a mobility platform” which will have “exciting premieres” ranging from “e-bikes, e-scooters, bicycles, electric cars to public transport.”
That doesn’t sound terribly exciting, but Automobilewoche says Audi will use the event to introduce their electric flagship known as Project Landjet. The model is rumored to be a large three-row crossover with an electric powertrain and a range of around 404 miles (650 km).
Previous reports have suggested the production model will arrive in 2024, so it’s possible Audi will simply be showing a concept. However, Project Landjet is also expected to spawn vehicles for Bentley and Porsche.
