The inaugural Paris Motor Show was held in 1898 as the International Automobile, Cycling and Sports Exhibition. The event that would later become one of the five best car shows in the world was created by Jules-Albert de Dion, a pioneer of automobile industry in France. Sadly, the first show wasn’t much of a success. Even the President of France who participated in the grand opening left the Tuileries Garden before the show was over.
However, the show gradually gained momentum over the years. It was discontinued in 1939 due to World War I. The 1946 Paris Motor Show became the first post-war automobile show in Europe. It was attended by 810,000 people in 10 days. Since then, its popularity has been growing steadily. Today, leading car manufacturers choose Mondial de l’Automobile for debut presentations of their new models.
As we’ve already mentioned, the Paris Motor Show takes place every two years just like International Motor Show Germany in Frankfurt am Main. France’s main motor show is held on even years, while the auto show in Germany takes place on odd years. Each year, Mondial de l’Automobile features dozens of world-renowned car manufacturers. For example, the 2014 show welcomed over 50 exhibitors including Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Citroën, Mazda, Peugeot, Renault and many others.
Each Mondial de l’Automobile features the special exhibition. The team of the exhibition changes every show. For example, the 2014 Mondial de l’Automobile was based on the “Automobile and Fashion Theme”. The exhibition features around 40 cars including pre-war and post-war models. The show also hosts an electric and hybrid vehicle testing event.
The Paris Motor Show is held at the Paris expo Porte de Versailles, the largest exhibition center in France. It lasts for more than two weeks (typically 16–18 days). The show is open to the general public, but there is an admission fee.
