May 5, 2009
Barcelona becomes the motor capital
Many new products and record number of brands at the Motor Show
4 world and 8 European premières and around 40 national debuts are among the main attractions of the next International Motor Show which, from the 9th to 17th of May, on occasion of its 90th anniversary, will occupy the entire Montjuïc exhibition centre and feature 55 brands. The concurrence with the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix, on the Circuit de Catalunya, will again make Barcelona the motor capital.
One of the main new attractions is the prototype of the future Audi Q3, which will be manufactured in the Seat plant in Martorell (Barcelona), recently confirmed. Four world premières are the Opel Insignia OPC; Seat’s Ibiza FR and León Cupra 2009 range; and the Fiat Barbie 500. There will also be various European debuts from Dacia, Nissan, Land Rover, Mercedes and Tata Motors. (The list of new launches and participating brands can be found in the attached documents).
“This 35th show, with which it celebrates 90 years of history, will be spectacular. Never before have so many brands participated together”, said the president of the Organising Committee, Enrique Lacalle, who highlighted the “support of the sector, the institutions, the sponsors, the brands and the efforts of Fira de Barcelona to hold one of the best automobile shows in history, at such a complex time for the automobile industry”.
Organised by Fira de Barcelona every two years, the show has the support of the two most important Spanish automotive associations, the Asociación Española de Fabricantes de Automóviles y Camiones (ANFAC) and the Asociación Nacional de Importadores de Automóviles, Camiones, Autobuses y Motocicletas (ANIACAM). It is also the only motor show in Spain recognised internationally by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (O.I.C.A.).
Undoubtedly, the declaration by the MPs Congress of this year’s show as Event of Exceptional Pubic Interest”, on occasion of its 90th anniversary has facilitated the participation of brands and, consequently, the staging of an event in a context marked by the effects of the difficult economic situation.
This recognition allows sponsors to benefit from important tax relief by allowing them to deduct the investment made in advertising the show during for years (2009 and 2010), which have facilitated obtaining funds, to be reinvested in benefit of the brands, helping them to offset the costs of participating in the show has facilitated .
“We are convinced that the show will again demonstrate its full potential as a leading sales and meeting platform for the automobile industry in Spain” said Fira de Barcelona’s sales director, Ricard Zapatero. Lacalle stated that “this year, the show has the added value of coinciding with the Formula 1 Grand Prix on the Circuit de Catalunya during the first weekend, which will turn Barcelona into the world motor capital”.
Exhibits and multiple activities
In addition to automobile companies, the show will also feature manufacturers of tuning equipment; spare parts, components and accessories; car audio, telephony and alarms; oil companies; lubricants, additives and chemical products; tyres, technical press and others. A total of 150 exhibitors will be participating.
Together with exhibits, the organisers have designed a packed activities programme which will attract, as usual, hundreds of thousands of fans of all ages. Among the highlights is an exhibition commemorating the show’s 90th anniversary, which includes advertising posters since 1919. The rock and auto worlds will share the stage in another exhibition of historic albums with images of automobiles and motorcycles, and the vehicles which inspired them. The historic Hispano-Suiza automobiles will also be featured in an exhibition. There will also be zones for “crash tests” – simulations of accidents to improve car safety -, vehicle test drive areas and driving simulators.
Innovation is another of this year’s proposals with the exhibition of projects and prototypes from the Sociedad de Técnicos de Automoción (STA), the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales (ETSEIB) and the firms IFR Automotive y Velmus I+D+i.
A highlight of the programme of seminars and conferences for professionals is the 7th International Motor Show Awards coordinated jointly with the Sociedad de Técnicos de Automoción (STA), which recognise the best technological innovations. This year, for the first time, there will be a first prize for each of the following categories: complete vehicle; systems and components; and technologies, processes and materials.
As usual, the two days prior to the show being open to the general public – 7th and 8th of May – will be reserved for the press and trade. These days will close with the Night of the Automobile (8th of May), which will bring together personalities from the worlds of politics, business and society.
Barcelona, May 2009
Images available here
Marta Juvell
Tel: 93 233 20 89
Email: mjuvell@firabcn.es