Skip advert
Advertisement

"Isn't it time the UK took over as the motor show capital of Europe?"

The huge cost of visiting Geneva is pricing it out of the market, says columnist Mike Rutherford

Geneva opinion

Geneva and I are like old pals who ritually meet up every March. It’s a one-sided relationship, though, because I do all the running... and spending.

Over three decades I’ve devoted weeks to driving almost 40,000 miles to and from the city, which is motor-industry neutral – i.e. it doesn’t have one! Then I’ve spent months in its eateries, working from – and sleeping in – its hotels, queuing on its roads and searching for parking spaces.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Geneva Motor Show 2015: all the top cars at the show

The total cost of driving to and from, working out of – and parking in – Geneva two to three days a year for the past 30 years is, in today’s money, approaching £100,000. Ouch.

Enough is enough. Apart from the city’s exorbitant prices and shortage of hotel rooms at show time, it has become prohibitively expensive to drive there. French and Swiss motorway tolls are to blame. They make long-distance motoring economically unviable – thus all those empty tolled motorways across Europe.

The volatility of the Swiss Franc and its iffy value against the pound and euro is another worry. As is the fact that some global car companies exhibiting in Geneva have to house directors, employees and guests in hotels outside Geneva, or even outside Switzerland in France or Italy. It’s bonkers.

My annual ritual will live on – I’ll continue visiting my mate Geneva at motor show time, but this year I’m changing the rules of the relationship. Over the two to three days that I’ll be visiting the show, I’ll be doing morning/evening budget airline commutes to and from Gatwick to Geneva Airport (a short walk from the show).

• "I’d choose a cheap old banger over an electric car any day of the week"

The cost of my numerous flights, plus Gatwick parking, totals just over £200 – which is less than one measly night in a drab Geneva hotel room. Assuming one is available, which it probably isn’t.

Switzerland and Geneva are too greedy. The show has become a victim of its own success and is in danger of pricing itself out of the market.Unless we see improvements to the infrastructure, accommodation levels and prices surrounding the Geneva Motor Show, I fear it may become a car exhibition that’s unfit for purpose. Besides, isn’t it time that the UK took over as the motor show capital of Europe?

Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief columnist

Mike was one of the founding fathers of Auto Express in 1988. He's been motoring editor on four tabloid newspapers - London Evening News, The Sun, News of the World & Daily Mirror. He was also a weekly columnist on the Daily Telegraph, The Independent and The Sunday Times. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Renault 5 is one of the cheapest EVs in the UK
Renault 5 Geneva - front

New Renault 5 is one of the cheapest EVs in the UK

The Renault 5 starts from just under £23k and will be available to order from January next year
News
19 Nov 2024
The death of the Geneva Motor Show can't be considered as progress
Opinion - Geneva Motor Show

The death of the Geneva Motor Show can't be considered as progress

Mike Rutherford laments the demise of the iconic Geneva Motor Show
Opinion
16 Jun 2024
The Geneva Motor Show is dead, but Qatar spin-off still on for 2025
Geneva Motor Show

The Geneva Motor Show is dead, but Qatar spin-off still on for 2025

A “lack of interest shown by manufacturers” and competition with other motor shows were among the reasons given for the demise of the Geneva Motor Sho…
News
31 May 2024
"BYD, Dacia, MG and Renault are among the most impressive and in-touch car brands in the world"
Opinion - MG3

"BYD, Dacia, MG and Renault are among the most impressive and in-touch car brands in the world"

Mike Rutherford is confused as to why so many car manufacturers avoided the 2024 Geneva Motor Show
Opinion
3 Mar 2024

Most Popular

Suicidally, Jaguar is opening the door for Tesla and BYD to pick off the best of its dealerships
Opinion - Jaguar

Suicidally, Jaguar is opening the door for Tesla and BYD to pick off the best of its dealerships

Mike Rutherford thinks it's been a difficult few months for the British car industry
Opinion
8 Dec 2024
Skoda Elroq review
Skoda Elroq - front

Skoda Elroq review

The Skoda Elroq is even more appealing than the bigger Skoda Enyaq, and just as brilliant
In-depth reviews
9 Dec 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Ford’s Capri coupe-SUV is a great fit for families at this price
Ford Capri - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Ford’s Capri coupe-SUV is a great fit for families at this price

Ford’s Capri has been revived, this time as a family-friendly coupe-SUV. It’s our Deal of the Day for 8 December
News
8 Dec 2024