► GIMS 2024: CAR’s A-Z preview
► Is a lot smaller than usual
► Runs from 26 Feb to 3 March
The Geneva International Motor Show returns for 2024 after a long, pandemic-induced hiatus.
One of the most prestigious car shows on the calendar once pulled in 600,000 visitors and 10,000 of the world’s media at its peak and, for years, was the place to unveil a new car.
However, attitudes to motor shows had been shifting for years – even before the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020. Car makers began to see motor shows as vastly expensive and arguably not quite as worth attending as they used to be given all of the noise focused on a few concentrated days. Then the pandemic hit, forcing the 2020 Geneva show to close at the eleventh hour – and it hasn’t been back since.
Until 2024, that is. Organisers and investors of the show have managed to inject some life into the Geneva show’s brand, even planning a slightly baffling spin-off event in Doha, Qatar in November 2023.
However, the 2024 show is a lot smaller than it usually is. A lot of major manufacturers haven’t attended, and even the show’s own floorplans reveal it is a much more compact affair than it ever was previously. The full list of confirmed manufacturers mostly comprises small start-ups and niche European car makers, with the only major players being Renault, Dacia, MG, Lucid and BYD. In order to fill space, the Geneva show planners will be introducing curated areas designed by their own team rather than a manufacturer. These areas include the ‘adrenaline zone’, the ‘design district’ and ‘mobility lab,’ which will feature cars and interactive exhibits.
Even so, a few new cars have been confirmed to be revealed there, and more confirmations may come in the lead-up to the show. Keep scrolling for our 2024 Geneva show A-Z car preview, and we’ll update this page whenever we get new information.
Geneva 2024 show: A-Z of the new car reveals
BYD
Seal U
The mega Chinese EV brand is continuing its expansion in Europe, seeing an opportunity to attend the 2024 Geneva show. As well as the battery-electric model, there’s also a plug-in hybrid model designed to broaden BYD’s appeal in Europe.
Yangwang U8
Yangwang is a sub-brand of BYD, and its mammoth 1100bhp quad-motor U8 (pictured above) has been drawing all sorts of headlines. BYD says it is ‘teasing public reaction’ to the Yangwang brand and the U8 SUV, which is brimming with technology and features not normally seen on production vehicles – including the ability to tank turn.
DACIA
Spring
As well as launching its updated Spring generally for the rest of Continental Europe, this is the version we will get in the UK. We’ve already driven the pre-facelift Spring, which is dynamically identical to the new version.
LUCID
Air
The American luxury EV brand has been promising to enter Europe with its Air saloon for the last couple of years now. It’s attending the show with both this and the new Gravity SUV, courting Europeans ahead of a potential launch into the market soon.
MG
3
An all-new generation of MG’s supermini launches herel. The new supermini benefits from MG’s updated design language, and launches with a hybrid powertrain, which will likely be one of the cheapest HEVs on sale when it reaches the UK. Combustion engine models are also on the way.
IM L6
Another brand from Chinese car company SAIC. IM is designed to offer something a little more premium to the range of MGs it currently offers in the UK and Europe, as well as in China. The L6 saloon will be on the show floor likely closely alongside MG’s new 3.
RENAULT
5 E-Tech
It’s finally here, after what feels like one of the longest and most tiring teaser campaigns of any modern car. Yes, Renault’s new 5 E-Tech Electric (which replaces the Zoe) is arguably the biggest reveal of the show. Up to 249 miles of range, retro design details and an expected competitive price of £25k keeps things appealing.
Practical information about the 2024 Geneva International Motor Show
Where is the 2024 Geneva International Motor Show held? The Palexpo Convention Centre; 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Route François-Peyrot 30
Geneva International Motor Show 2024 dates: 26 February 2024 for media; 27 February 2024 for VIPs; 28 February – 3 March 2024 for public days
Public day opening times: 10:00-20:00 Wednesday 28, 10:22:00 Thursday 29, 10:00-20:00 Friday 1 March, 09:00-19:00 Saturday and Sunday 2-3 March
How much are 2024 Geneva International Motor Show tickets? Adults: 25CHF, children and students: 18 CHF, Groups of 10 and above: 20CHF each
Geneva International Motor Show website: https://genevamotorshow.com/