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  • Guest commentary: International automakers are boosting manufacturing jobs, economic growth

    Guest commentary: International automakers are boosting manufacturing jobs, economic growth

    In today’s fast-paced technological landscape and increasing consumer demand for advanced vehicles, a skilled and prepared workforce is crucial for the success of the U.S. automotive manufacturing industry. International automakers are rising to the occasion, supporting a resurgence in U.S. manufacturing and creating thousands of high-paying careers nationwide.

    Comprising nearly half of the nation’s automotive manufacturing production, international automakers are integral to the fabric of the U.S. auto industry. Data from the 2023 Economic Impact Report by Autos Drive America and the American International Automobile Dealers Association reveals that international automakers invested $107 billion last year, a $6 billion increase from 2021, and a total investment surge of 49 percent over the past nine years. These automakers directly employ over 156,000 American workers, with 103,600 in manufacturing roles at 31 plants, representing a 10 percent growth of 16,000 new careers compared to 2021. Additionally, they contribute to and support an additional 2.3 million American careers across the country.

    Read Also: The Most Recent Numbers On The Computer Chip Lack: Asian Manufacturing Plants Cut Creation

    In 2021-2022, international automakers surpassed national growth in manufacturing, with a growth rate almost triple that of overall manufacturing employment (3.8 percent). These automakers are actively developing and supporting careers in areas like Research and Development (R&D), which saw a significant 17 percent increase in employment last year, creating nearly 9,500 jobs nationwide.

    The commitment to advancing technology is evident in the green vehicle manufacturing investments made by international automakers. Since 2020, their member companies have pledged $22.5 billion for electrification efforts and green vehicle production in the U.S., along with announcing nearly 11,000 new careers in 2022 alone. These investments demonstrate their response to both consumer demands and shared climate goals.

    To modernize the U.S. auto industry and meet evolving demands, a well-equipped and well-compensated workforce is essential. International automakers often offer higher wages at their facilities compared to industry averages, providing higher pay for starting positions. Their total direct and indirect employee compensation in 2022 amounted to $184 billion, reflecting their commitment to investing in American workers, families, and communities.

    Read Also: Magna, Department of Energy develop greener manufacturing process for aluminum parts

    Moreover, international automakers play a vital role in America’s trade economy, exporting nearly 700,000 American-made vehicles to over 130 countries. Forty-five percent of these exports go to countries with which the U.S. has a free-trade agreement, an increase from 38 percent in 2021. Trade contributes significantly to making the U.S. a globally competitive marketplace for manufacturers and consumers alike.

    The transformative contributions of international automakers to the economy are significant and far-reaching. Through investments in America, they not only drive advanced transportation options but also invigorate economic growth and job creation across the country. As these companies continue to establish new facilities, develop cutting-edge technologies, and invest in manufacturing jobs and innovation, they are paving the way for a promising future for international automakers and the workers, families, and communities they support.

    Featured Image Credit: FIA

  • Jurgenson takes FIA Rally Star spoils in Austria

    Jurgenson takes FIA Rally Star spoils in Austria

    In the FIA Rally Star competition, six driver and co-driver pairings from regional finals worldwide will participate in six European rallies this year, driving an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally3 car.

    The top four crews at the end of these six rallies will receive a fully funded two-year program in the Junior WRC starting in 2024. Additionally, if one of the finalists secures victory in the JWRC title, they will earn a coveted WRC2 campaign for the year 2026.

    After previously tackling the gravel terrain at the San Marino Rally, the crews recently competed on asphalt for the first time at Rallye Weiz, the fifth round of the Austrian national rally championship.

    In the Rally3 class, the European final winners from San Marino, Jurgenson and co-driver Oja Siim, emerged as the overall champions at Rallye Weiz, finishing the event in eighth place overall. This result marks the best performance by any FIA Rally Star pairing in the two events held so far, surpassing the 10th-place finish achieved by the Australian duo Taylor Gill and Daniel Brkic in San Marino.

    Read Also: Dennis hails Rome Formula E victory as “perfect day”

    Jurgenson and Siim secured a 13.1-second lead over their nearest FIA Rally Star rivals, Jose Caparo and Guillermo Sierra Ovalle from Peru, who secured the ninth position.

    Jurgenson expressed his delight with the result, emphasizing that their goal was to maintain a comfortable speed and reach the finish line without any incidents. He acknowledged the healthy competition with Taylor and Jose, which allowed them to compare speeds and improve their performance.

    Gill and Brkic, competing on tarmac for the first time, secured 10th place overall and third in the Rally3 class, obtaining two stage wins. They finished 16.3 seconds behind Jurgenson and Siim.

    The fourth position in the Rally3 class was secured by Oman’s Abdullah Al-Tawqi and Irish co-driver Ronan Comerford, who were the only other Rally Star pairing to successfully complete the event.

    Unfortunately, Annia Cilloniz and Esther Gutierrez were in fourth place in Rally3 before a roll incident ended their rally prematurely. However, both driver and co-driver emerged uninjured from the incident.

     

    Read Also: Unusual Goodwood Rally1 outing beneficial for Latvala’s WRC comeback 

     

    A significant crash during testing prior to the event caused substantial damage to the Ford Fiesta Rally3 of Max Smart and Lorcan Moore, leading to their withdrawal from the competition before it began.

    The FIA Rally Star competition will continue at the Slovenia Rally Nova Gorica event, taking place from 22nd to 24th September

    Featured Image Credit: FIA

  • 2023 Toyota Supra Review

    2023 Toyota Supra Review

    The 2023 Toyota Supra is a remarkable two-passenger sports coupe that stands out as the faster and more upscale option among Toyota’s current sports car lineup. This thrilling sports car segment includes prominent contenders like the co-developed BMW Z4, Jaguar F-Type, Porsche 718, Chevy Corvette, and the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 duo.

    The 2023 Toyota Supra has garnered positive reviews and is undeniably an exceptional sports car. It delivers the quintessential features expected from such a vehicle, showcasing agile handling and offering a selection of potent engines. Although it has a firm ride and a cozy interior, the driving experience it offers is nothing short of exhilarating. Based on its overall attributes, it receives a commendable TCC Rating of 5.8 out of 10, further emphasizing its appeal in the sports car market.

     

    READ ALSO: Toyota picks Susan Elkington for new EV role

     

    Excitingly, there are several noteworthy updates for the 2023 Toyota Supra. Now in its fourth year, the Supra line welcomes a manual transmission option, available for the Supra 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and A91 models. Notably, the A91-MT Edition, a limited production run of 500 units in the United States, offers exclusive exterior colors, Burnout and CU Later Gray, which are elegantly complemented by an exclusive hazelnut leather interior.

    Moreover, all Supra models receive enhanced steering and suspension tuning, resulting in improved cornering capabilities. The 3.0 and A91 models benefit from a thrilling new feature called Hairpin+, further enhancing the car’s handling characteristics. Additionally, the Supra 3.0 Premium and A91-MT models offer an added premium JBL Audio system for an even more immersive driving experience.

    In terms of design, the Supra’s exterior embraces a daring and dynamic look, featuring a hatchback coupe profile accented with stylish curves, lines, and scoops throughout. Inside the cabin, Toyota has chosen a more straightforward and refined approach, resulting in an elegant and inviting atmosphere for the driver and passenger.

    Under the hood, the 2024 Toyota Supra boasts a lively BMW-sourced powertrain regardless of the model chosen. The 2.0 models are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine producing 255 horsepower. On the other hand, the 3.0 models receive a 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 engine, significantly amping up the power output to 382 horsepower. This potent engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds, giving the Supra an exhilarating and personality-rich driving experience. Both engine options also deliver commendable efficiency, with the 2.0 model achieving up to 28 mpg combined.

    This year, the entire Supra lineup benefits from the upgrades in steering and suspension tuning, resulting in a more refined and enjoyable driving experience.

    For those opting for the Supra 2.0, the weight savings of around 200 pounds compared to the 3.0 model translate to nimble and agile handling. Equipped with responsive steering and a comfortable ride from the 18-inch wheels and rubber, the Supra 2.0 offers a spirited driving experience.

     

    READ ALSO: Toyota picks Susan Elkington for new EV role

     

    For the Supra 3.0 models, upgrades in suspension come with adaptive dampers, an electronic limited-slip differential for improved traction through turns, and 19-inch wheels. Enthusiasts will also be delighted to find that the new manual transmission is available exclusively with the 3.0-powered Supras, optimizing traction and braking for the manual gearbox. Moreover, Supra 3.0 and A91 versions benefit from the new Hairpin+ feature, enhancing turning ability through uphill curves.

    While the Toyota Supra excels in performance and driving enjoyment, it does compromise on space. The cabin is not particularly spacious, offering limited legroom and cargo room. However, the interior is well-built, although some may find the BMW-sourced infotainment system to be slightly outdated.

    As for pricing, the 2024 Toyota Supra starts at $44,365 with destination for the 2.0 model, and the Supra 3.0 A91-MT comes in at $59,440. The base features of the 2.0 include leather and Alcantara-trimmed upholstery, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, keyless start, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Safety features such as active lane control and automatic emergency braking are standard, while adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and parking sensors are optional.

    The Toyota Supra is manufactured at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria, ensuring its commitment to high-quality production and assembly.

    Featured Image Credit: www.thecarconnection.com

  • Dennis hails Rome Formula E victory as “perfect day”

    Dennis hails Rome Formula E victory as “perfect day”

    The Andretti Autosport driver took a lights-to-flag victory on Sunday in Rome after starting from pole, leading every lap and taking the bonus point for the fastest lap.

    It means the Briton is 24 points clear of Nick Cassidy in the championship standings after the Envision Racing driver was collected by fellow Kiwi Mitch Evans early in the race which meant neither driver scored points.

    Dennis had stated on Saturday after finishing fourth that it would have been difficult to beat Evans and Cassidy on pure pace after they finished first and second but praised his team for turning things around.

    “A really good day. We didn’t expect it after yesterday’s performance where we were obviously lacking some pace, but we managed to turn it around and come home with the perfect day,” he said.

    “Obviously unfortunate that Mitch and Nick DNF’d but I felt like we still had the pace to win the race even with them there.

    “I think it was a good race as a whole and the team can be really proud of what they did overnight with the improvements, and we delivered the perfect result.”

    Only two races remain this season at London’s ExCeL where Dennis has performed strongly in the past, taking wins during the last two seasons at the venue.

    Despite heading to the UK with strong previous form and a healthy lead in the standings, Dennis admits that he still ‘needs to bring my A-game’ in order to ensure he can win the championship.

    “It’s definitely on,” said Dennis when asked about his championship chances.

    “Obviously a commanding lead in the championship but the layout is very similar to here in terms of the corner layout, so I expect Jaguar to be strong again.

    “I still need to bring my A-game, I still need to qualify at the front and try and score as many points as possible.

    “It obviously helps with the 24-point lead but nevertheless we just need to work really hard until then and arrive with the best preparation possible.”

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  • Unusual Goodwood Rally1 outing beneficial for Latvala’s WRC comeback 

    Unusual Goodwood Rally1 outing beneficial for Latvala’s WRC comeback 

    The 18-time WRC rally winner and Toyota WRC boss is set to make a competitive return to rallying’s top flight with an outing at Rally Finland in a 2023 specification GR Yaris Rally1 next month.

    While Latvala is scheduled to conduct a pre-event test day in the car before the rally, the Finn logged some valuable seat time at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, which included runs through the event’s 2.5km Forest rally stage.

    Latvala was also joined in the car by former team-mate and 2003 world champion Petter Solberg as part of a special Autosport feature that will be published next month.

    “Actually, it was good practice,” Latvala told Autosport.

    “It helps a lot that I managed to get some sort of idea of the car before the rally. I’m looking forward to the rest of the weekend as I can drive the car more.

    “It will help to get the feeling of the car before the test so that when I come to the test I don’t lose time to just understanding the car.”

    After retiring from full-time driving in the WRC at the end of 2019, the 38-year-old is new to championship’s hybrid cars that were introduced last year.

    Reflecting on driving the car, Latvala admitted he was impressed and surprised by the effectiveness of the hybrid boost.

    “I must say the boost, I’m really impressed. When the kick comes it feels like an old Audi Quattro when the turbo boost comes in,” he added.

    “This car is so easy to drive and you don’t feel the bumps like you used to. The suspension is at a really high level compared to WRC cars 20 years ago.

    “I have never really driven it on a stage and to go with Petter I knew I couldn’t show that I was very slow and at the same time you can’t crash, so you have to find a way to adapt to the car quickly.

    “It was my first time with the hybrid really on and it was exciting and Petter was also really excited about it. His passion for rallying and motorsport is amazing.”

    All three WRC teams are in attendance at Goodwood this week to celebrate 50 years of the WRC, with eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans joining the Toyota ranks.

    Thierry Neuville and Esapekka Lappi are set to pilot the Hyundai i20 Rally1 on Goodwood’s famous hillclimb and the rally stage, while M-Sport’s Ford Puma will be driven by Ott Tanak and team boss Malcolm Wilson.

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  • Bird and Buemi call for Rome circuit changes after Formula E pile-up

    Bird and Buemi call for Rome circuit changes after Formula E pile-up

    Bird was running fourth when he lost control of his Jaguar machine through the high-speed left sweep of Turn 6 and bounced off the barrier.

    After coming to a stop on the racing line, Bird was hit first by Envision Racing’s Buemi and then suffered a second impact with the Maserati of Edoardo Mortara.

    All three drivers were eliminated in the accident, which also claimed Antonio Felix da Costa (Porsche), Lucas di Grassi (Mahindra) and Robin Frijns (Abt Cupra).

    All drivers were able to extract themselves and were unhurt in the incident, which led to a lengthy red flag, with teams in a race against time to build up new chassis for Sunday’s second race.

    “There’s a lot of bumps to this corner and too many drains that are raised up,” said Bird, who had led Saturday’s race initially – a contest that was won by his Jaguar team-mate Mitch Evans.

    “I hit a drain that was raised up at the wrong angle and it sent me into the wall.

    “Scary crash. I’m glad everyone involved was OK.

    “They need to adjust the drains and address the smoothness of that section, it’s too quick to have drains and bumps like that, which can send you into a wall at a moment’s notice. For me it’s too much.

    “You can get round there, and most people get round there, but it just takes one tiny little error – it’s not even really an error.

    “I don’t think they can change it ahead of tomorrow, but certainly for next year they need to think hard about completely redoing that area, really laying a nice smooth surface up the hill because it’s too hit and miss right now.”

    The same spot had already claimed the Andretti Autosport machine of Andre Lotterer earlier in the race, an incident that required a safety car, while McLaren’s Jake Hughes was forced to sit out the race after crashing at the same spot in qualifying.

    Buemi was left angry by the incident having raised that section of track as an issue last year when Formula E used the comparatively slower Gen2 machines as opposed to the new-for-2023 Gen3 cars.

    “It was just a matter of time in my opinion, and I raised the point already last year,” said Buemi, who added there was no radio message or yellow flags warning him of the crash ahead.

    “A small driver error on the top there like Sam did, if you’re at the wrong place at the wrong time you have no chance.

    “Those cars are really powerful now and not much grip and when something like that happens it’s difficult to avoid.”

    Andretti’s Jake Dennis, who was the first car following Bird when he lost control and was just able to avoid the spinning Jaguar, believes that the corner should remain a challenge for drivers.

    “It just needs to be a bit smoother – I think the corner’s great, it’s an awesome corner to drive and it gives us good fun, but I don’t want to take that away,” said Dennis, who lost the championship lead after finishing fourth.

    “It just needs to be a bit smoother, it’s just one bump. We’re going so fast in that section you can’t recover, and you hit the wall.”

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  • 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Review

    2024 Volkswagen Atlas Review

    The 2024 Atlas receives positive reviews as a reliable SUV. It boasts a newly redesigned interior that is both spacious and aesthetically pleasing. The SUV features a more powerful turbo-4 engine and an impressive warranty, contributing to its improved scoring. The 2024 Atlas receives a commendable TCC Rating of 6.5 out of 10, reflecting its overall quality and appeal.

    Volkswagen has introduced several updates to the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. These include refreshed exterior designs, updated technology features, and a more efficient turbo-4 engine. The previous V-6 engine option has been discontinued.

    READ ALSO: 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Review: Prices, Specs, and Photos

    The standard Atlas presents a conventional three-row crossover SUV design with a boxy and robust appearance. It showcases a prominent four-slot grille, LED headlights, and a connected light bar spanning the rear lights. On the other hand, the Atlas Cross Sport offers a slightly shorter length and a more streamlined roofline, resembling crossover coupes. Regardless of the model, both versions can be equipped with 18- or 21-inch wheels, enhancing their individual style.

    Significant improvements can be observed in the interior of the 2024 Atlas. The SUV now features a standard 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.0-inch touchscreen that controls the climate settings. The center console has been revamped with a tiered design, an electronic gear shifter, and ample storage space. The overall interior finish and quality have received a substantial upgrade, rectifying previous criticisms and bringing it in line with competitors.

    READ ALSO: Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition Has Off-Road Upgrades, Great Paint

    Under the hood, the new 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine generates 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This represents a 34 horsepower increase compared to the outgoing turbo-4 engine. The new turbo-4 performs on par with the discontinued V-6 engine, delivering a satisfying driving experience. The Atlas boasts a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available across the lineup. The SUV maintains a composed ride, and the new turbo-4 engine surpasses the performance of its predecessors. However, some may prefer smaller wheels for an optimized driving experience, and a slight improvement in steering weight would be desirable.

    One of the standout features of the 2024 Atlas is its spacious cabin. The seven-seat Atlas provides ample room for passengers, including two adults in the third row. Second-row passengers benefit from 37.6 inches of legroom and can choose between a three-seat bench or twin captain’s chairs. The Atlas Cross Sport eliminates the third row but retains a substantial cargo area with over 40 cubic feet of space.

    Safety is a priority for Volkswagen, and the 2024 Atlas comes equipped with standard driver-assist technologies such as automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and blind-spot monitors. As the frame and body remain unchanged from the previous model, it is expected that the mixed crash test results will carry over to the 2024 version.

    In terms of pricing, the front-wheel-drive Atlas SE starts at $39,075 and includes features like 18-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, a power driver seat, heated and cooled front seats, a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 12.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, it comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, including 2 years of free scheduled service. The Atlas Cross Sport versions are slightly more expensive, and adding all-wheel drive to the base model costs an extra $1,900.

    Among the lineup, the recommended choice is the SE with the $3,940 Technology Package, which adds parking sensors, remote start, and a power tailgate. For those seeking more premium features, the $47,905 Peak Edition offers black wheels and trim, a sunroof, and ambient lighting. The top-of-the-line $53,805 Atlas SEL R-Line includes 21-inch wheels, leather seats, Harman Kardon audio, a power front passenger seat, navigation, a head-up display, heated second-row seats, a sunroof, and a surround-view camera system.

    The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is manufactured in Chattanooga, Tennessee, alongside the VW ID.4 electric car, emphasizing Volkswagen’s commitment to American production.

    Featured Image Credit: www.slashgear.com

  • Paris To Fight Pollution With Higher Parking Fees For SUVs

    Paris To Fight Pollution With Higher Parking Fees For SUVs

    SUVs are generally larger, heavier, and thirstier vehicles than hatchbacks, sedans, and even station wagons. Paris, the capital of France, sees them as one of the main sources of air pollution in the city and is planning to impose higher parking tariffs on what we call sport utility vehicles. The size, weight, and engine of the vehicle will be taken into account when calculating the fees.

    The Guardian reports that the measure was approved by Paris councilors last month. The EELV ecology party proposed the new law saying the number of SUVs in Paris has increased by about 60 percent in the last four years. Still, they make up only around 15 percent of the city’s total fleet of approximately 1.15 million private vehicles.

    “We would like the city of Paris to change the pricing of paid parking to make it progressive according to the weight and size of vehicles,” Frédéric Badina-Serpette, a councilor from the EELV, commented. “The aim is to focus on an absurdity: auto-besity … the inexorable growth in the weight and size of vehicles circulating in our cities, and particularly in Paris.”

    The new rule is expected to become effective from January 1 next year when SUV owners will start paying higher parking fees. However, electric vehicles and vehicles of large families are expected to be excluded from the measure, though details of the charges and how SUVs will be categorized are not known at the moment. 

    Just earlier this year, the city of Lyon introduced a similar new law that will go into effect next year. France’s third-largest city announced a new parking policy, under which parking fees in public areas will be determined on a progressive basis based on the vehicle’s size, weight, and engine.

    However, electric vehicles will qualify for the lowest parking fees of $16,50 (15 euros) per month, while combustion-powered vehicles that weigh more than 3,803 pounds (1,725 kilograms) will pay triple. Grenoble, a city with a population of around 450,000 people, is also expected to introduce a similar policy soon.

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  • 2024 Nissan Leaf Review: Prices, Specs, and Photos

    2024 Nissan Leaf Review: Prices, Specs, and Photos

    What kind of car is the 2024 Nissan Leaf? What does it compare to?

    The 2024 Nissan Leaf is a five-passenger hatchback EV that competes with the Hyundai Kona EV and Chevrolet Bolt EV.

    Is the 2024 Nissan Leaf a good car?

    It makes a fine daily driver with good standard tech and a perfect “Green” score that add up to a TCC Rating of 7.3 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

    What’s new for the 2024 Nissan Leaf?

    Not much following last year’s refresh. The SV Plus trim now gets navigation, NissanConnect telematics, and a three-year trial of the subscription-based NissanConnectEV smartphone app.

    Otherwise, the Leaf S and SV Plus carry over unchanged, sporting a traditional hatchback shape accented with Nissan’s current styling cues. It stands out as an EV less than in years past, and its cabin finishes can make it feel more upscale than other small economy cars.

    The Leaf S offers 149 miles of range from its 40-kwh battery pack, and the Leaf SV Plus yields 212 miles from its 60-kwh battery pack. Both are capable of charging to 80% in about 45 minutes thanks to CHAdeMO DC fast-charging capability. The Leaf’s light steering and peppy acceleration make for fun city driving, though the highway gets dull quickly.

    The small hatchback provides five seats, though the back is a tight squeeze for three across. The seats aren’t particularly supportive, but they’re acceptable, even for longer trips. This hatch truly shines when it comes to cargo capacity, offering 23.6 cubic feet beneath the tailgate and a total of 30 cubes with the rear seats folded.

    The 2023 Nissan Leaf earned NHTSA’s five-star rating, but the IIHS hasn’t published full test results. Nissan includes automatic emergency braking, and the SV trim gets the ProPilot semi-autonomous driving system.

    How much does the 2024 Nissan Leaf cost?

    The base 2024 Leaf S costs $29,235, including a $1,095 destination fee. This trim features an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and DC fast-charging capability. The SV Plus, at $37,285, increases range and adds heated mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and navigation. However, the significant increase in price over the base model weakens, if not nullifies, the Leaf’s advantage as a budget EV.

    Where is the Nissan Leaf made?

    In Japan.

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  • Geneva auto show revamped for 2024 as ‘affordable’ event

    Geneva auto show revamped for 2024 as ‘affordable’ event

    The Geneva auto show will return in 2024 with a new, “affordable” concept for exhibitors and visitors.

    The exhibition, previously held every year, has not been held since it was cancelled in 2020 in the early days of the coronavirus outbreak.

    Organizers plan to hold the show from Feb. 26 to March 3 next year in its traditional home at the Palexpo convention center near the Geneva airport with a modified exhibition concept and lower hotel costs.

    “The halls in Geneva have been rented and also already paid for,” Sandro Mesquita, the Geneva International Motor Show company’s managing director, told Automotive News sister publication Automobilwoche.

    Mesquita emphasized the payment to counter speculation that the show was only a half-hearted attempt at revival and that it could be buried again without high costs if necessary.

    Organizers have developed a new concept for the show to significantly reduce the high costs of exhibiting that have put off many auto companies.

    “We are offering exhibitors preconfigured booths, so they do not have to build their own booth. We call this plug-and-play,” Mesquita said.

    The booths are smaller and less elaborately designed than those seen in the past. “Exhibitors just need to choose the color of the booth and bring their branding,” Mesquita said.

    “Of course, exhibitors are equally welcome to have their own booths,” he added.

    The show is also trying to reduce the high costs of hotel rooms during the show. In the past, hotel owners have considerably hiked prices.

    “We have signed framework agreements for reasonable prices with 16 hotels in all categories. There will be no last-minute surcharges,” Mesquita said.

    Organizers expect 10,000 journalists and 300,000 visitors to attend the event over the seven days. This is much more modest than the last auto show in March 2019, when 600,000 visitors attended.

    The show is sponsored by Qatar Tourism, which is holding a similar event in the country’s capital of Doha from Oct. 5. to 14 this year.

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