We’ve already seen a decline of interest in traditional car shows these past few years, and all signs point to a dramatic outcome: the possible end of the auto shows as we know them.
Why is that? Simply because it is hard for manufacturers to justify blowing millions of dollars on attendance, when they could host their own events and get away with spending far less. This appears to be Volkswagen’s approach when it comes to the 2020 Paris Auto Show, as they might skip it altogether.
Related: Explore The 2018 Paris Auto Show In A Generous Image Gallery
The information comes from the French media, including AutoActu, which talked to VW brand’s executive board member for sales and marketing, Jurgen Stackmann. When asked whether VW will be present at the 2020 Paris Auto Show, the executive surprised journalists by answering: “Probably not. There is no plan to do it this year.”
The same publication revealed that Volkswagen chose to withdraw from the 2018 edition of the car show in Paris, quoting them as saying: “The Volkswagen brand is continually reassessing the relevance of its participation in international car shows.” That statement likely holds true for 2020 as well. Other major absentees from the 2018 Paris Auto Show included Bentley, Mini, Opel, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Ford and Jeep.
The VW Passenger Car Division isn’t the only brand within the Volkswagen Group to have already said ‘no’ to a major car event this year, as Lamborghini has used its official channels to announce they won’t take part in the 2020 Geneva Motor Show.
