Geneva Motor Show 2020 is due to take place at the city’s Palexpo exhibition center from March 5-15. However, the event – which takes place for the 90th time this year – will run with both short- and long-term darkening clouds looming over its future.
For 2020, the organizers are already watching the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak in China with keen eyes. With many visitors expected to travel to Switzerland to attend, Palexpo SA issued a statement requesting that anyone from an at-risk area should ensure they do not show any symptoms of infection in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Geneva.
The show also takes place amid a wider rethink of the true value of the international motor show. Are they still worth the huge investment of time and money required by each exhibitor, especially when a bespoke event or even online launch can lure more eyes than an old-school show?
With the Frankfurt event possibly moving to a new home in Berlin, Beijing’s 2020 show being postponed, and now Geneva under threat – the world’s three major motor shows face an uncertain future.
But for now, let’s see what Geneva Motor Show 2020 has in store for future mobility fans:
Aiways U6ion concept and U5 production EV
Why it is interesting China’s Aiways was due to show its new U6ion electric crossover coupe concept, but that’s been kept back in Shanghai thanks to the Coronavirus outbreak. However, while the showcar will debut on screen, the European version of the U5 electric SUV (pictured) will be taking a real-life bow at the event.
BMW i4 Concept
Why it is interesting BMW’s Geneva showcar is the concept version of its forthcoming i4 EV sedan. Yes, another car that’s likely to be branded a Tesla Model S fighter when it arrives in production form in 2021, but more importantly, the fourth model in BMW’s i range – following the i3, this year’s iX3, and i8 – is long overdue so it better be competitive.
DS Aero Sport Lounge concept
Why it is interesting This luxury EV SUV concept features a 600hp, 400-mile range-capable powertrain that takes some unspecified lessons learned from DS’ participation in Formula E. The interior uses screens with ultrasound haptic feedback, and its fabrics are brightened by fiber optic strands woven within.
Polestar Precept concept
Why it is interesting Volvo’s EV subbrand takes its next step with a new concept that showcases how its design will depart from the mothership. This includes splitting the trademark Thor’s hammer lamps apart, changing the front grille for a sensor array, and even showing how rooftop LiDAR sensors might be integrated in near-future production cars. Sustainable interior materials and a next-generation Google Android-based HMI also feature.
Renault Morphoz concept
Why it is interesting Having done a good job of being ahead of the EV curve, Renault will show its new electric-car tech via the medium of the Morphoz concept. The firm calls it its ‘vision of tomorrow’s mobility’. The concept is modular and can adapt to the needs of each user, which is code for the fact that it previews a number of forthcoming Renault EVs.
Rimac C_Two production car
Why it is interesting Croatia’s Rimac has been impressing some heavy industry hitters with its self-developed performance EV hard and software, with Porsche and Hyundai-Kia taking stakes. At Geneva, we get to see the production version of the 1,914hp C_Two EV hypercar, complete with a new name.
