Barcelona International Motor Show 2015 to host at least 38 international brands, 17 more than in 2013
The 38th edition of the Barcelona International Motor Show (SIAB) will be held between 9 and 17 May at the Montjuïc venue of the Catalan capital's trade fair. This year, the event will host at least 38 brands and others could be added in the following weeks. This is the biggest number since the economic crisis started. According to Mario Armero, ANFAC Executive Vice President, "the show coincides with a clear recovery of the sector, where 2-digit growth rates have been registered in sales, production and exports volumes". Organised by Fira de Barcelona, SIAB is the only motor show in Spain recognised by the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. The coming edition will also coincide with the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix, transforming the Catalan city into the world's motor capital for a few days.
Barcelona (ACN).- The 38th edition of the Barcelona International Motor Show (SIAB) will be held between 9 and 17 May at the Montjuïc venue of the Catalan capital's trade fair. This year, the event will feature at least 38 brands and others could be added in the following weeks. This is the biggest number since the economic crisis started. According to Mario Armero, Executive Vice President of the ANFAC (Spanish Association of Automobile and Trucks manufacturers), "the show coincides with a clear recovery of the sector, where 2-digit growth rates have been registered in sales, production and exports volumes". Organised by Fira de Barcelona, SIAB is the only motor show in Spain recognised by the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. The coming edition will also coincide with the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix, transforming the Catalan city into the world's motor capital for a few days.
The Barcelona International Motor Show is a biannual event with 96 years of history behind it. The show's President, Enric Lacalle, has declared his satisfaction with this year's programme, recalling that in 2011 the number of companies participating stood at 28, while in 2013 this dropped to 21. SIAB 2015 will host at least 38 international brands - 17 more than two years ago – marking a turning point after the darkest moments of the economic crisis. However, some other brands could still sign up for the show, stated the organisers. According to Armero, the automobile industry plays a pivotal role "as Spain's and Catalonia’s economic engine".
Among the marques which have so far confirmed their attendance at the event are: Audi, Bentley, BMW, Citroën, Dacia, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lotus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes, Mini, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Seat, Skoda, Smart, Suzuki and Volkswagen, among others. All of them will be showcasing their latest products, technologies and prototypes to visitors and trade professionals at the show.
Of the total 38 brands that will take part in SIAB 2015, BMW and Suzuki are back after missing 2 editions. Two of this year's big absentees will be Volvo (which will only be at the Genève International Motor Show) and General Motors (which at the moment has still not confirmed its presence). Finally, Toyota has announced its participation through its luxury brand Lexus.
The show will host 4 areas: 'Brands', 'Connected Car', 'Sketch Car Design' and 'Urban Mobility'
The show will host 4 main areas: 'Brands' (where firms will showcase their new products), 'Connected Car', 'Sketch Car Design' and 'Urban Mobility'.
In partnership with the Mobile World Capital Barcelona, the area 'Connected Car' will focus on mobile technologies, featuring innovations key to the future of the automotive industry. Indeed, according to consultancy company Accenture, car-embedded technology is currently a more important selling point than vehicle performance for 66% of buyers.
With the support of SEAT, amongst other brands, the 'Sketch Car Design' area will show visitors the design process of a motor vehicle, from the initial idea in the designer's mind to the final product. The space will look back over the big names and creations of some of the most famous vehicles chassis in history.
The 'Urban Mobility' area will shed light on how technology implemented in driving and control systems will change the way we move around in cities.
Lacalle explained that, in the coming days, news will be released about launches of new products by the major brands taking part in the event. The show's President said that there will be a 'large commercial deployment' at SIAB 2015 which "traditionally performs very well in terms of sales".
All political institutions to be "well represented" in SIAB 2015
Lacalle announced that that all the political institutions (such as the Spanish Government and Barcelona City Council) "will be well represented" in the event. However, he did not disclose any name of the participants yet.
As an industrial platform and a summit for the motor vehicle industry in Spain, the show is supported by the ANFAC (Spanish Association of Automobile and Trucks manufacturers) and the ANIACAM (National Association of Vehicle Importers).