It was worth the risk. While the austerity programs were being decided, especially in the Corona shock, Auto Zurich President Karl Bieri invested in the trade fair and therefore its future. A risk – not because of the corona pandemic, but because major auto shows like the Geneva Motor Show or Auto Zurich have already been counted. More and more automakers have avoided big shows for cost reasons and falling visitor numbers. What if the public turns their back on Auto Zürich?
Still, Bieri and his wife, Doris, dared to relaunch what is now Switzerland’s largest auto show, giving Auto Zürich a completely new look. Successfully! Last year, crowds flocked to the exhibition halls in Zurich-Oerlikon! The great response to the new beginning bears fruit this year as well: With at least 54 producers, Karl Bieri can once again host a record number of exhibitors, including Koenigsegg for the first time. The Swedes even bring a world and a European premiere to Zurich.
Uniform stands are cheaper
This demonstrates the confidence in the trade fair: all brands can present themselves on an equal footing in uniform stands, rather than outdoing each other with their own carefully crafted creations. This saves costs and resources in trade show construction. Even dealers can afford such a professional trade fair look. In turn, Auto Zürich benefits from this because, among other things, these dealers showcase brands that would not be on display at the trade fair from an official point of view.
out with the carpet
The new look not only makes Auto Zürich look younger, it also improves sustainability. Because the new elements of the show look are designed to be usable for several years. And the biggest environmental sin is completely avoided – carpets. After four days of exposition, they were completely worn and dirty. As a result, approximately 20,000 square meters of carpet had to be discarded each year. Since last year, visitors have been wandering around the bare hall floor. But so far, no one has missed the rugs.
On the contrary, Karl Bieri, President of Auto Zurich, knows. “The new look has been very well received by exhibitors and visitors. We are very happy and proud of that.” This year, too, potential car buyers or curious visitors will sit between cars in popular lounges and talk about what they discovered at Auto Zurich.