Where to choose your new car
Until relatively recently, one of the best places to start your selection of a new car would have been to visit a car show and see new cars and shortlist the models that interested you. In the UK, the British International Motor Show was held regularly between 1903 and 2008 in a variety of venues, perhaps the most famous at Earl’s Court. He moved to the NEC in Birmingham in 1976 and stayed there until he returned to London and the ExCel Center in 2006 and 2008. Unfortunately, the 2010 and 2012 shows were canceled due to the recession.
The British show, like all the great motor shows in the world, is recognized by the Organization Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles, a federation of car manufacturers, based in Paris, founded in 1919. Other European shows recognized by the organization follow assets. and they are worth a visit, especially if you are nearby.
Perhaps the most famous is the Geneva International Motor Show which is held annually in March in Switzerland. The event was first held in 1905 and has thrived ever since, despite the fact that Switzerland does not have an auto industry of its own and has banned auto racing since 1955.
While exotic cars and concept vehicles often make headlines, manufacturers around the world launch their latest models in Geneva, making it a great place to compare new cars.
Most of the other programs are biennial events. The Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany is the largest in the world and is held in odd-numbered years during the month of September. German manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes and VW often use it to launch their new models. The organizers organize an event in even-numbered years in Hannover, but this is for commercial vehicles only.
The Brussels Motor Show is held in even-numbered years in January. In 2012 it attracted nearly 600,000 visitors. Across the border from the Netherlands, AutoRAI organizes the Amsterdam Motor Show in odd-numbered years. The next show is scheduled for April 2013.
The Madrid International Motor Show in Spain takes place at the end of May in alternate years. The next event is in 2014, while in odd-numbered years the Spanish event takes place in Barcelona. Naturally, at this fair you often see launches of new models from the local car manufacturer SEAT.
Later in the year, the Paris Motor Show takes place in late September and early October, but only in even-numbered years. More than one and a quarter million visitors attended the last fair in 2010, making it the most popular of the major international automotive shows.
To end the year you can visit the Italian Motor Show that takes place during the month of December in Bologna.
Back in the UK, petrol fans without a local show to indulge their love of cars can opt for what’s known as the ‘Moving Motor Show’ at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Held on the grounds of Goodwood House, this annual climbing event is a true celebration of motorsport and all things automotive. In addition to Formula 1 cars and some of the world’s most amazing supercars on static displays and up the hill, an extensive display of the latest models from many of the world’s leading automakers can be found in the dedicated display area. .
Rising display costs for manufacturers and easier access to vehicle information through dealerships and the Internet may eventually put an end to all but the largest and most popular auto shows. Web information certainly makes it easier today to shortlist the cars you can afford or are interested in learning more about. The last step is to talk to someone who can supply you with the car you are looking for at a good price, preferably at a discount. That is something that you are highly unlikely to get at a large auto show!