The Automobile Barcelona congress gathers over 800,000 visitors in the centenary of its birth

• The 40th edition of the event exhibited 45 brands such as Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Seat, Tesla or Volkswagen, among others, and welcomed more attendants than ever.

• During nine days, the interest has been focused on the future of motoring, with electric and hybrid cars on display, innovation-related activities, autonomous vehicles public proofs and a flying car exhibition.

• The automobile sector means over 10% of the Catalan GPD with a 23,800 MEUR turnover.

The Automobile Barcelona congress has closed its 40th edition with an attendance record in the centenary of its birth. The fair, which takes place every two years, is nowadays the most visited one in Europe, as it welcomed over 800,000 visitors, 10% more than the last edition. This year, the congress exhibited 45 different motoring brands, 50% more, and firms like Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Seat, Tesla or Volkswagen among others presented their latest technology in the automotive industry, up to 42 novelties.

During nine days, the congress focused on the future of motoring and had innovation-related activities for the public: they could test a completely autonomous vehicle and watch a real flying car in the Connected Street area, dedicated to intelligent mobility. Electric and hybrid vehicles were another attraction for attendants, who according to organisers’ surveys will come back 9 out of 10 in the 2021 edition.

The Automobile Barcelona, the only event recognised by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA) in Spain, had its first edition in 1919. A century later, the automotive sector has a huge impact in Catalan economy as it creates 143,000 jobs and has a 23,800 MEUR turnover, which represents over 10% of the GDP. There are 10,800 motoring Catalan companies and their exportations mean 23,2% of the Spanish total.

The high attendance to this Automobile edition confirms Barcelona’s trend as a congress city, as the latest report by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) stated that the Catalan capital was the best-attended conference city in the world last year.