Has The DEATH Of The Traditional Auto Show Started? BMW Announces STEEP Cuts To Its EU-based Shows

Coming to us from across the pond, there's bad news for event organizers of the Frankfurt and Geneva Motor Shows. That's because BMW, who has always made large investments in these shows, is starting to pull back.

That's right. The blue and white have slashed their investments into their auto show presence.

In regards to the Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW is dramaticially decreasing its 2019 spend from 25 million EUR to a range of 5-6 million EUR. Considering the Frankfurt show is where BMW would display its entire product portfolio, this should be rather concerning.

And according to reports, BMW will be making similarly sized cuts to its Geneva Motor Show spend as well.

When you consider this automaker has also dropped out of the Detroit Auto Show, it seems like there's a theme emerging. Auto shows just aren't as influential to buyers as they used to be. Now, attention is shifting to technology-oriented shows, like CES.

That said, I've got to ask: Are auto shows, as we know them, DEAD?

MDarringer - 4/25/2018 8:31:46 AM

-1 Boost

More likely, BMW is in crisis mode. They need to hire De Nysschen. BMW has had a string of poorly received all-new cars that look 10 years old. Their crossovers are boring and dated. Fresh styling never translates to production, so why waste time on concepts and displays?

skytop - 4/25/2018 1:21:39 PM

+2 Boost

The new generation has better things to do than visit an auto show. Their interests lie elsewhere.

TomM - 4/25/2018 5:30:31 PM

0 Boost

The current new generation is less interested in Driving - and cars. AS the generations change - the emphasis moves to the hot products of the moment - which appear to be Smart Phones right now.

The AUTO Shows were once a place where the Manufacturers featured their NEWLY styled cars - and at least in the USA - they did that EVERY YEAR. SO you could see a LOT of new styles to compare. THe current way - some refresh at 3 years - and new car after 6 years - means that you really do not see as many new styles. In addition - once upon a time - virtually every manufacturer had CONCEPT cars - for each BRAND. They were Futuristic and drew large audiences. WE are now luck if we get one or two real concepts introduced at a show.

With little new to see - the audiences are also little too.