Return of a record-breaking Expo

Close to 13,000 international journalists descended on the Paris expo Porte de Versaille to attend the first of two days dedicated to the international media prior to the public opening of the Paris Motor Show 2014 – christened “Automobiles and Fashion”. MaltaToday was there.

Over the coming 18 days, 250 brands from 18 countries will exhibit their wares including more than 100 world premiere launches scheduled by some of the top manufacturers. This year’s edition will be enriched by returning manufacturers Ford, Mazda, Jaguar, Abarth, Nimrod, Ferrari, Lamborgini, Aston Martin, Maseratti, Tesla Motors, and equipment manufacturers Faurecia.

Amongst the manufacturers’ headlines Mazda has today launched the 4th generation of the MX-5 and Jaguar’s new XE will rock the world of the compact executive when it hits the streets in 2015. The same year will see the Land Rover Freelander being replaced by a mini Land Rover as Lamborgini unveil their new hybrid concept car and Audi plan on launching a four-door TT.

Since its start in 1898, the Paris Motor Show - the oldest of all international car shows - was always portrayed as a vibrant event where each visitor becomes an active participant. Once again, this edition will feature a test drive centre for electric and hybrid vehicles built by BMW, COURB, EON, KIA, Mercedes, Nissan, Renault, Smart, and Tesla. As interest from general public in new energies and electric vehicles increases, the opportunity to physically try one of these vehicles is not an easy deal. The Paris Motor Show gives potential clients such an opportunity. The test drives will first take place within the exhibition park and then on an urban circuit in Paris.

Throughout the days of the show, the French Automobile Manufacturer Committee organises round-table discussions concerning the Automobile World. The workshops at the Paris Motor Show give new dimensions to essential automotive aspects such as social, technical and economical.

Two years ago the Show welcomed 1,231,416 visitors and nearly 12,000 journalists from 103 countries, making the Paris Motor Show the most well attended motor show in the world. The 2012 edition was titled “Automobiles and Advertising”.

The Paris Motor Show is an unmissable gathering for all automobile fan,s particularly those looking towards the future. The Show will be open for the general public Saturday October 4 to Sunday October 19, 10.00 am to 8.00 pm. On Thursdays October 9 and 16, and Fridays October 10 and 17, the show will remain open until 10 pm.

The show in numbers

9 pavilions

96,000 sqm of exhibition area

270 brands from 21 countries

Over 12,000 accredited journalists from 113 countries

Over 100 World premieres

 30 European premieres

 40 French premieres

On average every visit lasts around 4 hours 5 minutes.

66% of those visiting are men, while 99% of visitors attend to discover new releases.

74 % attend given their interest in electric cars, 46 % in equipments and accessories, and 13 % in services.