The event will feature more than 25 brands in 2023, topping the figures for the last edition
Automobile Barcelona connects to sustainability with the largest range of electrified vehicles
Automobile Barcelona, the International Motor Show organized by Fira de Barcelona, is gearing up for a new edition that will showcase the automotive industry’s firm commitment to the electrified car and the largest display of zero and low-emission models. The event, which will be open to the public from 13 to 21 May at the iconic Montjuïc venue, will showcase the latest launches from car brands giving users the chance to get to know and drive them.
With two months to go, the show, which has the backing of the Spanish Association of Car and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC), has already confirmed the presence of major brands including Aiways, Baltasar, Cenntro, Cupra, Dacia, Ebro, Hyundai, KIA, Lexus, Mazda, Maxus, Mercedes-Benz, Microlino, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, Seat, Ssangyong, Subaru, Suzuki, Tesla, Volvo and XEV, as well as Astara Move, Yadea, Seat Mo, Silence, Verge and Wallbox, leaders in the field of electromobility.
The president of Automobile Barcelona, Enrique Lacalle, pointed out that “this year the show will once again reaffirm its status as the European benchmark event in the automotive sector, bringing together more brands than in 2021 and bringing the most advanced models of electric and hybrid vehicles to the public“. Lacalle praised “the effort being made by the automotive industry to adapt to present and future demands” and assured that, in this sense, “Automobile Barcelona will once again be the best platform and showcase to support the industry and boost sales.”
As for the Director General of ANFAC, José López-Tafall, the association of car manufacturers, said that “progress towards zero-emission mobility is a full commitment on the part of all car manufacturers, and the electrified vehicle is the main tool right now. Having a world reference event like the Automobile de Barcelona is a unique opportunity to consolidate, bring closer and show society the advantages in terms of sustainability and road safety offered by the electrified vehicle. Now is the time to move towards change.”
According to data from ANFAC, the passenger car and SUV market closed February in positive territory, with growth of 19.2% compared to the same period in 2022 and a total of 74,001 new units registered. This is the second consecutive month this year with increases and the cumulative total in 2023 stands at 138,039 units, 32.1% more than the previous year, but 24% lower than the pre-pandemic period. In 2022, registrations fell by 5.4%, with 813,396 vehicles sold.
An ”Electrifying” edition
For this reason, under the slogan ‘Electrifying’, Automobile Barcelona 2023 aims to contribute to the growth of electric and electrified vehicles, which are becoming increasingly more accessible and diversified. To make this visible, it will organise the Electric Zone to provide a standout spot for a selection of the most advanced electric models designed by the participating brands. Along the same lines, within the framework of Automobile Barcelona, ANFAC will be organising a congress with the transition to sustainable mobility for industry, cities and society as the main theme.
Visitors will also be able to get behind the wheel of the cars showcased by the exhibiting brands at the traditional “boxes”, and drive the new electrified models around the legendary Montjuïc circuit and check out their latest innovations first-hand.
Held every two years, Automobile Barcelona is the only event held in Spain to be internationally recognised by the OICA (Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles). The 11th and 12th May will be reserved for the press and industry professionals. In the 2023 edition, with the support of the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, ACCIÓ – Agency for Business Competitiveness of the Government of Catalonia, Automobile will be held at the Montjuïc venue alongside Motoh! Barcelona, the motorbike and new urban mobility show to be held at Palau 7 from 11 to 14 May.
Barcelona, March 29th 2023