07 March 2011

Geneva Motor Show is the only trade show worth going to, in my opinion, though Paris runs it a close second; the show is not as ‘visitor-friendly’ but the restaurants are better. Both can be done in a day on budget flights from the UK if you’re desperate to see the metal but an overnight makes it more comfortable.

However, that’s not so easy these days. Hoteliers in Geneva have got greedy and many are now demanding a minimum three-night booking with the result that a lot of manufacturer personnel and press now stay in Lausanne or Annecy – both about an hour’s drive away. Suddenly the early morning EasyJet doesn’t look such a bad option.

The boss of one UK manufacturer decided he had to have rooms in Geneva for some valued guests. They cost him £1200 for one night, each.

Rich (and famous?) 

Geneva press day is great for star spotting. Here’s a quick selection:

Ratan Tata: The chairman of Tata Group could probably buy Switzerland, if he felt like it, yet he remains wonderfully open and approachable. He openly hangs around the Tata stand with no visible signs of security and, if you want to ask him a question, you just wander up. I can’t help but contrast his style with the self-important US carmaker bosses who hustle from meeting to meeting with a trail of forelock-tugging minions in attendance.

Jackie Stewart: A former Swiss-resident, of course, so this is his ‘local’ show. Jackie remains as enthusiastic as ever about cars in all forms. He had a health-scare on the flight back to the UK but, apparently, is making a full recovery. We wish him well.

Katie Melua: I’m not quite sure how much she knows about cars but the singer/songwriter is now a brand ambassador for the Vauxhall Ampera. According to the press release, Katie says: “In my music I always try to convey a depth of emotion and a zest for life and I think this is something that Vauxhall also stands for.” Err, quite, thank you Katie!

Nick Lancaster: The former CEO of HR Owen is a Geneva regular and now heads up IGA Management, a fund management company that is trying to raise $150 million to invest in “the world’s most desirable and iconic collectors’ cars”. Nick tells me that his target portfolio has outperformed the market (and many other collector funds) in recent years and he hopes to deliver a 15% return to his investors. Sadly, I haven’t got my cheque-book on me, so I pass by …

Oh well, back to reality now: here’s hoping March is good for you. If you have a story for us, or just want to get something off your chest, email rupert@auto-retail.com

Rupert Saunders
Editorial Director

Tags: Celebrities, Geneva Motorshow, This Week