Industry News: Nine Automakers Pass On Frankfurt

[William Maley]

The Frankfurt Motor Show is only just a month away, where will see a new selection of production and concept vehicles. But there will be some no-shows.

Automotive News Europe has learned of nine automakers that will be skipping the show. They include,

• Alfa Romeo
• DS
• Fiat
• Infiniti
• Jeep
• Mitsubishi
• Nissan
• Peugeot
• Volvo

The nine automakers combined make up 20 percent of all automotive sales in Europe.

So why are they skipping? One issue is the cost as automakers have to spend a fair amount of cash to take part. Ian Fletcher, principal analyst for IHS Markit said it is becoming very difficult for a company to justify spending so much money for a small boost in sales.

"I would question what the translation rate is between attendance on public days to transactions -- I bet most customers now are happier to do research online," said Fletcher.

The other reason is automakers are beginning to do their own events or use other showcases such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This allows an automaker to directly reach out those interested and allow them to be the star, not be lost in the noise of an auto show.

Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required)

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[David]

I can totally agree with the thinking of questioning if the current type of Auto show is worth the money spent by the manufactures. 

[Drew Dowdell]

From my understanding Frankfurt is among the most expensive of all of the shows. I haven't been yet, but there is huge competition to out-do each other with their displays. Mercedes usually has an entire hall to themselves. 

 

[daves87rs]

I'm thinking in the next few years shows will be a thing of the past. (Nope, of course they won't all be gone of course)

 

People would rather just see it on the web unless they plan to buy one.....

[Drew Dowdell]

10 minutes ago, daves87rs said:

I'm thinking in the next few years shows will be a thing of the past. (Nope, of course they won't all be gone of course)

 

People would rather just see it on the web unless they plan to buy one.....

No, they'll shift to where the new markets are. Which reminds me, I need to brush up on my Chinese....

[smk4565]

Seems like most of FCA is skipping out.  Mercedes has a lot planned for this show.  I imagine BMW will push the 8-series and Z4, and maybe X7 concept or something.  They should have some stuff.

[loki]

i think Mazda is supposed to be doing something more there... perhaps the 6, or more info on skyactiv-x....

[daves87rs]

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

No, they'll shift to where the new markets are. Which reminds me, I need to brush up on my Chinese....

Maybe.....I'm starting to wonder if we are going to see a worldwide slowdown in car production though-not sure if china can avoid that....

I kinda feel like the buzzkill suddenly....

[David]

1 hour ago, loki said:

i think Mazda is supposed to be doing something more there... perhaps the 6, or more info on skyactiv-x....

Bigger question to ask is for how small Mazda is, will anything they do there really get noticed compared to the Germans and the rest of Europe?

[FAPTurbo]

mazda's HCCI stuff has an opportunity to impress european gov't reps scrambling to outlaw diesels and meet climate obligations, so it makes sense for them to be there. 

[riviera74]

Given a shrinking European car market, I am not sure why anyone would participate and pay a LOT of money to show off in Frankfurt.

Now Beijing on the other hand. . . . . . .