Being among an exclusive group of only ten international automobile fairs worldwide (Detroit, Brussels, New Delhi, Seoul, Shanghai, Birmingham, Jakarta, São Paulo, Tokyo, and Lyon) that will be held this year under the auspices of OICA, the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, is an enormous success in itself. However, the 56th International Motor Show and the 17th Motorcycle, Quad, Scooter, and Equipment Fair "Motopassion" will be unique in many ways. In addition to being the only fair held in March (March 20-26) and therefore the largest global exhibition event in the automotive and related industries during that period, it may also be the only one to gather almost all of the world's major brands from both the West and the East under one roof.
Thanks to the Association of Road Vehicle Manufacturers of Serbia, which holds the international license for organizing this event, and the Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers, which represents both foreign and domestic manufacturers of passenger motor vehicles, spare parts, and equipment, the participation of a large number of relevant global manufacturers has been secured. The fair will feature a representative selection of the latest generation of environmentally advanced models with conventional powertrains, as well as new electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models.
This year's International Motor Show will bring together 257 exhibitors and showcase 46 car brands and 12 light commercial vehicle brands. A total of 80 models will be presented for the first time, including 27 premieres in the light commercial vehicle category. At "Motopassion," 74 exhibitors will present 42 motorcycle brands, with as many as 72 premieres among the displayed models. The members of the Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers have made a tremendous effort to secure all these novelties and present them to visitors.
Expressing gratitude to everyone involved in organizing this spectacle under the domes of the Belgrade Fair, Aleksandra Đurđević, President of the Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers, emphasized that this fair is by far the most important event for the automotive sector, not only in Serbia but in the entire region. It is also one of the three European international fairs held in our country.
"For us importers, this is not just an opportunity to present new models, technologies, and innovations, but also a platform to test new concepts that are emerging. Innovations and new technologies in the automotive industry are developing so rapidly that some rightly say a car is no longer just a means of transportation but a consumer electronics device," said Đurđević.
She also pointed out that this year's fair differs from the previous one in offering much more to see. The exhibition will feature as many as 100 brands of vehicles, light commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and ATVs, showcasing nearly 180 new models. The same applies to motorcycles, where there will be 80 new models.
"What’s important is that this is a commercial fair, featuring the best offers, with far greater availability than in previous years. We must not forget that supply chains were disrupted until recently, causing delivery issues. Thirdly, this year, our financial institution partners are offering significantly better financing options, with expected lower interest rates and improved financial conditions," she added.
Đurđević highlighted the ongoing promotion of electrification as the most significant topic in today's automotive sector, emphasizing that, despite existing dilemmas, the "electric ship" has set its course.
"A great deal of money has been invested in this transformation, and as importers, we must keep pace with global electrification trends, including infrastructure and financial incentives. We expect the 'Fiat Grande Panda' model to be crucial not only for the country’s industrial development but also for familiarizing our domestic customers with the concept of electrification. Currently, only about 1% of mobility in Serbia is electric, whereas in Europe, the percentage is significantly higher. We need to catch up. Another key priority for our Association is the effort to rejuvenate the vehicle fleet, which is extremely outdated compared to the region. In Serbia, the market for used cars is five times larger than that for new vehicles.
From a sales perspective, last year was 10% better than the previous one, while light commercial vehicles saw an increase of about 17%, mainly due to tenders," Đurđević concluded. She also announced additional promotion of service capacities, where significant investments are being made, utilizing advanced technologies that are far more efficient than traditional methods.
Welcome to the 56th International Motor Show and the 17th Motorcycle, Quad, Scooter, and Equipment Fair "Motopassion"!
Halls: 1, 1A, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, and 4
Opening hours of the Motor Show and "Motopassion" Fair:
Ticket and parking prices:
Photo credit: Freepik
This translation maintains the formal and informative tone of the original text while ensuring clarity and readability in English. Let me know if you need any refinements! ????