Automobile Barcelona grows and attracts 360,000 attendees

Automobile Barcelona closes its doors this Sunday after having attracted some 360,000 attendees to Fira Montjuïc, a 20% increase compared to the 2021 edition, the first post-coronavirus. The Motor Show, organized by Fira de Barcelona, featured the participation of more than 30 manufacturers, a 40% increase compared to the last edition, and the worldwide presentation of new models from Cupra, Mercedes-Benz, and Ebro. In addition, it coincided again with Motoh!, a show focused on two-wheeled motorized vehicles, a combination that had not happened since 1999.

"Bringing together more brands, more visitors, and promoting more sales at the current time is a record among European shows," says its president, Enrique Lacalle. According to a survey conducted during the show, 36% of attendees visited the show with the intention of buying a new car, and of these, 42% want to do so because their vehicle is old or they want to adapt to low-emission zones. "The volume of sales generated during these days certifies that the show is a great market driver, something extremely important in a country with such an aging car fleet," remarks Lacalle. Acquiring a vehicle during the days of the event can mean discounts of up to 8,000 euros.

Electric cars have once again been the main protagonists of Automobile Barcelona, capturing the interest of visitors divided between those who still don't dare to make the change and those who want to but see it as too expensive. More than half of the buyers who attended the show are already looking for an electrified car, with almost 35% preferring a hybrid or plug-in hybrid car and only 17% a fully electric one.

The main doubts heard among the hundred exhibitors participating in the 42nd edition of the show were problems derived from the limited range of electric vehicles and the still deficient network of charging points. In fact, 60% of attendees acknowledged that the development of an acceptable infrastructure to plug in the car has a key weight in the purchase decision.

Over nine days, the show has gathered in about 100,000 square meters brands such as Dacia, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, SsangYong, Subaru, Suzuki, Tesla and Volvo, with the continued absence of some of the big ones. There has also been a prominent presence of local firms such as Baltasar, Ebro, Seat and Cupra, and the participation of other companies in the mobility sector such as Acciona Silence, Seat Mó and Wallbox. "Automobile Barcelona 2023 brings optimism back to the sector, achieving what no one else can: organizing an event that grows, that is a celebration for motor enthusiasts and stands up for the industry at a very necessary time," concludes Lacalle.