Now in its 36th edition, the fair will be held at Barcelona’s Montjuïc de Fira site, once again bringing together the most important brands in the industry, brands which will be presenting some thirteen new developments. The event is taking place at the same time as Spain’s Formula 1 Grand Prix, which will be contested at the Circuit de Catalunya, making Barcelona once more the world motor capital.
The fair, which is on from 14 to 22 May, will feature 35 brands presenting some thirty new developments to the public, most notably the world premiere of the Hyundai i40 Sedan and European premiere of the Audi Q3, which is to be manufactured at the Seat plant in Martorell; the Volkswagen Beetle and the Hyundai Elantra.
The 2011 Barcelona Automobile Fair has been establishing itself over the years as one of the most important events of its kind in Europe. This can be seen from its sheer numbers, given that it is expected to receive over a million visitors this year and to present 5 world and 8 European premiere presentations, hailing from more than 50 nationals, involve over 60,000 funding applications and feature 150 stands for 55 brands taking over an area covering 250,000 square metres.
The commercial side is to be complemented with a programme of activities for visitors that will include automatic-braking demonstrations in the city, traditional garages where brand vehicles can be put to the test, 4×4 driving lanes and a gathering of super-sports vehicles, among other things.
Electric-powered vehicles make their debut
Electric cars will be playing a leading role at this year’s fair, which will have a pavilion for the first time, especially for electric- and hybrid-powered vehicles.
The space will have areas devoted to several brand models, companies that are developing electric car-related technologies; the history behind this system of propulsion, publicity for the operational theory and practice and the principles behind the workings of an electric engine.
With the Automobile Fair taking place during the same week as the Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona is set to become the world motor capital once again.
