Come fly with me

I’m sitting down to write this under severe time constraints, mental duress and physical threats from editor Martyn. Once again, I’ve done nowt to prepare for my copy deadline. I pity the poor geezer as he sweats and frets over getting the mag together for the press deadline while my mind idly wonders. Just now for example I’ve booked my flights to Geneva for the annual Motor Show (5-15 March, 2020).

But believe me, motor shows are becoming a ‘thing of the past’. Frankfurt, previously a huge event, has just ended and even before they’d lifted a carpet tile, the writing was on the wall for the future of the show. Although we, as enthusiasts of cars and the technical aspects which make them tick, shouldn’t quite write it off yet. It is as good as finished to manufacturers outside of Germany and even some inside, but thankfully the Original Equipment suppliers still attend. Their will to impart knowledge is exemplary.

I don’t know where the blame lies for the ending of motor shows. All the ones I’ve attended have been rammed full from start-to-finish. Whatever the reason, you must to get there and go to one before they are all finished.

Tokyo is dumbed down, and I think Detroit is done; Turin, Birmingham, Glasgow, London and Amsterdam are done. The writing is on wall, so you need to make the effort now. Paris is my favourite to attend on account of the location.

My flight to Geneva was £50. The entry is a tenner. Geneva itself is a fortune to stay in (I once squandered all of my currency in a bar before even getting to the show on the first afternoon), so we now stay outside the city – in France. That’s not to say there isn’t reasonable, modern accommodation close by.

While flying is outrageously cheap and convenient, we’ve also driven there – an outstanding drive, but seriously weather dependent as it’s mountainous and still winter. There is also the option to let the train take the strain. So, whether you can get to Geneva in March or Paris in September, please do try to make time to attend a Motor Show soon.