The year 2018 is set to be an exciting one for the automotive industry, as well as for automotive enthusiasts around the world as it marks the 120th anniversary of the Mondial de la Auto, popularly known as the Paris Motor Show - the world's largest motoring extravaganza.

What started more than a century ago, back in 1898, the Paris Motor Show enters its landmark edition and is slated to begin from October 4, later in the calendar.

While the organisers are gearing up for a host of special events and activities, both prior and during the show, the exposition will revolve around the main theme of electric, connected and autonomous driving technologies, with over 300 exhibitors expected to showcase a wide array of futuristic cars, motorcycles and even passenger carrying drones at the show.

Apart from the regular car (Mondial de l’Auto) and motorcycle (Mondial de la Moto) exhibits, a slew of new categories have been introduced in the rather special edition of the show, which, for instance, will include Mondial de la Mobilite - taking into account the broader picture of the transforming mobility ecosystem; and Mondial Tech - a B2B technology platform, spearing debates and discussions on technology aspects like IoT, telematics, cyber security and road safety.

While a special parade will commemorate the 120th anniversary celebrations, the show will also boast a special green test-drive zone; a new supercar and luxury zone; a new motorbike show; and last but not the least, ‘Mondial Women’ - a mini conference where lady achievers will share their interesting anecdotes, experiences and winning stories in the automotive world.

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Jean-Marc Fenet (pictured above), minister-counsellor for economic affairs, Embassy of France in India, said, “France has become a central place in Europe post-Brexit, and offers a good industrial environment for businesses to come and explore. Like India, the French passenger car market is growing tremendously, reaching sales of over 2 million units annually. The bilateral relationship between France and India has been wonderful and the recent state visit of the French President has given a new impetus to strengthen the relationship of the two countries.”

“The mobility space is witnessing foray of new technology at an unprecedented pace and France is always there to extend a helping hand to India. French automotive companies of the likes of Renault, Michelin and Faurecia are building and innovating new solutions here in India, which are set to benefit a lot of emerging markets across the globe. These companies are being highly benefited by the excellent talent pool offered by India in terms of its highly competent engineers”, the minister added. 

According to Jean-Claude Girot (pictured above), general commissary, Paris Motor Show, “We invite Indian stakeholders to engage actively with French and international automobile players and to visit the show in large numbers, in order to help further the dialogue in the auto sector between our two countries.”

The Paris motor show, which recorded footfalls of over 1 million visitors and over 10,000 journalists from around the world in its 2017 edition, is now looking to scale even greater heights. The show will remain open to the general public between October 4 to October 14. Stay put as we bring all the extensive action from the ground.