Bologna Motor Show Cancelled for 2018 as Organisers Shift to Modena
The long-running Bologna Motor Show was cancelled for 2018 after years of declining exhibitor interest and financial losses, with organisers planning a new festival format in Modena for 2019.
The Bologna Motor Show, a fixture of the Italian automotive calendar since 1976, was cancelled for 2018 after organisers cited financial and logistical difficulties. The event, originally scheduled for 6 to 9 December 2018 at BolognaFiere, will not return in its traditional form. Instead, a new format is planned for Modena in 2019.
The cancellation follows several troubled years for the show. The 2013 and 2015 editions were also dropped, with organisers struggling to attract carmakers during a period of weak European sales and a shifting landscape for international auto shows. In 2017, the event returned but failed to meet expectations, recording a €1.7 million loss and lower visitor numbers than hoped. Exhibitor interest remained low, and organisers at BolognaFiere, who also own ModenaFiere, decided to abandon the traditional format.
Announcing the move, BolognaFiere’s management said the new event would be “more agile and flexible”, moving away from the classic indoor exhibition towards a festival model. The new show, scheduled for 16 to 19 May 2019, will be split across Modena’s exhibition centre, city venues and the Marzaglia circuit. The focus will shift to the region’s so-called Motor Valley, home to Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani and Lamborghini, and will include themed exhibitions, museum partnerships and motorsport activities.
A Show in Decline
The Bologna Motor Show had long been known for its mix of car and motorcycle debuts, live motorsport and public engagement. At its peak in the 2000s, it drew over 800,000 visitors and more than 200 exhibitors. The show’s format included manufacturer displays, test drives, live racing and classic car exhibitions. Motorsport events, such as the Memorial Bettega rally and the Formula One Indoor Trophy, were major draws.
In recent years, however, manufacturers pulled back from regional shows in favour of global events or standalone launches. The 2018 edition was planned with a shorter duration and expanded racing and entertainment offerings to attract local audiences, but these measures were not enough to secure the event’s future.
What Next for Italian Motor Shows?
The new Modena-based event, provisionally named "Motor Show Festival, Terra di Motori", aims to capitalise on the region’s automotive heritage and the growing trend for open, city-wide festivals. Organisers hope that by focusing on the Motor Valley’s unique appeal and involving local museums, manufacturers and circuits, the festival can succeed where the traditional show struggled. The programme was still under development at the time of the announcement, with details promised to exhibitors and partners within weeks.
