Growth markets host 2010's largest car shows

(AFP/RAVEENDRAN)

New Delhi and Bangkok are expected to host the world's largest car shows in terms of visitor numbers in 2010, with Paris's Mondial de l'Automobile the largest major show for the regions of Europe and the US. The most influential shows in 2010 are unlikely to be the biggest however -- expect the major announcements and unveilings to come from automakers in Detroit and Geneva.

New Delhi and Bangkok are expected to host the world's largest car shows in terms of visitor numbers in 2010, with Paris's Mondial de l'Automobile the largest major show for the regions of Europe and the US. The most influential shows in 2010 are unlikely to be the biggest however - expect the major announcements and unveilings to come from automakers in Detroit and Geneva.

New Delhi, 10th Auto Expo
January 5 - 11
With 1.8 million visitors expected, the New Delhi show is the largest auto show in the world by visitor numbers. The show is spread over 140,000 square meters and caters to general enthusiasts as well as trade attendees. The 2008 Auto Expo is where Tata unveiled its revolutionary Nano, the cheapest car - expect similar announcements in 2010 from India's rapidly growing auto industry.
http://www.autoexpo.in/

Detroit, North American International Motor Show
January 11-24
North America's capital of cars hosts one of the most important shows in the motoring calendar. Last year, 650,000 attendees poured through the doors of the Cobo Center in Detroit; as the car industry begins to bounce back this year, organizers are expecting the wraps to be taken off more than 30 new models. Winners of the Michelin Challenge Design and the EyesonDesign Awards will also be announced.
http://www.naias.com/

Tokyo Auto Salon
January 15 - 17
The world's largest custom car extravaganza - Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 - takes over the Makuhari Messe convention center in the Japanese city, with around 600 vehicles on display, as well as presentations by custom shops, car manufacturers and parts firms.
http://www.e-autosalon.net/tokyo/

Chicago Auto Show
February 10 - 21
The Chicago Auto Show spans 1.2 million square feet of space and displays over 1000 vehicles. With more space than is available at other events, manufacturers stage large exhibits here, such as test tracks and even rock concerts. This year will be the 102nd edition, making it the oldest show in the world.
http://www.chicagoautoshow.com

Geneva, 80th International Motor Show
March 4 - 14
Geneva hosts over 700,000 visitors in 114,000 square meters of space, and is generally regarded as a must-attend show for worldwide manufacturers. It offers something for everyone - last year the world's cheapest car, the Tata Nano, was on display at the Swiss event, as was the world's most expensive, the Aston Martin One-77. Expect unveilings from most brands, particularly the European marques - last year saw 85 unveilings that were streamed live over the internet in a world first.
http://www.salon-auto.ch

Bangkok International Auto Show
March 26 - April 6
The Bangkok show draws over 1.6 million visitors and showcases Asian brands from growth markets such as India, Malaysia and China. Low-cost vehicles abound, and there is an adjoining motorcycle and yachting display and "Miss Motorshow" contest.
http://www.bangkok-motorshow.com/

Auto China Beijing
April 23 - May 2
China is the world's largest automotive market and 2100 exhibitors are expected to visit Auto China in Beijing to display to over 680,000 visitors. The largest show in China last year was the biennial Auto Shanghai, which saw luxury unveilings from several manufacturers, a reflection of the region's growing global importance.
http://autochina.auto-fairs.com

Paris, Mondial de l'Automobile
October 2 - 17
A record 1.4 million visitors attended the Paris show last year, making it one of the largest in the world by visitor numbers. There were 90 debuts and 362 exhibitors focusing on everything from green energy to global taxis last year, with a particular effort from the French market, Europe's largest. Renault alone staged the global premieres of nine new vehicles.
http://www.mondialautomobile.com/

São Paulo, 26th International Automobile Trade Show
October 28 - November 7
The Salão do Automóvel celebrates its 50th anniversary this year as South America's largest car show. A total of 450 cars were on display in 2008, attracting 625,330 guests.
http://www.salaodoautomovel.com.br

SEMA Show, Las Vegas
November 2 - 5
The SEMA show is not open to the public but retains considerable importance in the global auto industry. There were several specialist unveilings in 2009 such as a Hyundai limited edition Genesis R-Spec, a Jeep Wrangler that transformed into a mobile campsite and Japan's first supercar, the €255,000 2011 Lexus LFA.
http://www.semashow.com

Los Angeles Auto Show
November 19 - 28
The Los Angeles Auto Show is the first major North American show of the season and is seen as a particularly forward-looking event, focusing on green technology. The annual Green Car of the Year Award is normally unveiled, along with a handful of global and North American premieres.
http://www.laautoshow.com/