I do hope that everyone has calmed down after all the excitement of the Geneva motor show. All those hyperactive bunnies involved in making, promoting, interneting and TV progging about cars were really rather busy for a couple of days.
The trouble with the Geneva motor show is that it provides a huge protective bubble of automotive delusion. Those attending think they have seen the answer to the energy crisis in the form of a concept design that makes an E-Type look like a turnip and they return with visions of the future that almost no one else shares. At least I think that's how you end up with cars like the Aston Martin Cygnet.
Geneva motor show report, pictures and video reviewThere is a grim everyday reality of running a car that isn't represented by Geneva. This is the people at the pump paying £1.17 per litre, or being left bemused at just what indicator bulb their Fiesta needs. Ask any of them - and I know this because I did - whether they knew what was happening in Geneva and they just looked blankly back like I was mad. Which I am - mad that the motor show merry-go-round continues.
I agree that the opportunity to see very pretty ladies is truly wonderful. I like the shiny cars too. But if the point of these shows is to promote cars and manufacturers, then it really should go on tour around Europe and be free. After all, they have gone to the expense of building the stands and I’m sure the girls would enjoy the shopping in all the other capitals and the wonderful Pound Stores in the UK.
I like interactiveness and entertainment value that MPH provides, and the hardcore petrolheadness of the Autosport Show, but quite why something more interesting and relevant could not be dreamt up for mainstream motor shows is beyond me.
I love the idea of motor shows. My dad built stands in '60s and '70s. In the '80s I was even on the BMW stand at the London show as dealers were expected to provide the staff. But the format needs to change - perhaps you could provide a few suggestions?
(As you can tell. I wasn’t in Geneva this week. I was on an industrial estate in Norfolk unloading a container moaning about the cost of diesel...)
