New concepts, new styles, and new technology – if you want to get a taste of all these and more and you are an enthusiast of cars, you would sure try to be at one or the other of the world famous auto shows. Apart from manufacturers, designers and media, patrons and enthusiasts frequent these shows.

Do you know how all this began? In 1898, Paris became the first city to organize an auto show. Initially known as the Salon de l'Automobile, it was later renamed Mondial de l'Automobile (Paris Motor Show) in 1988. This biennial event takes place in the Grand Palais of the French capital.

Some of the other important auto shows of the world are as follows –

Los Angeles Auto Show – began in 1907. The initial display was of 99 vehicles at the Morley’s Skating Rink. Today the show is one the biggest one held annually at the LA Convention Center.

North American International Auto Show – began in 1907 at Beller's Beer Garden at Riverside Park as the Detroit Auto Show. The show got its new name in 1989. This annual show takes place in the Cobo Center now.   

Tokyo Motor Show – began in 1954. Organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the first show (known as the All Japan Motor Show) was at the Hibiya Park. Now it takes place every two years at the Makuhari Messe, Chiba City.

Geneva Motor Show – began in 1905. Comparatively newer than the other shows, this is popular for its display of interesting super-cars. The show is an annual event held at the Geneva Palexpo Convention Center.

Frankfurt Motor Show – began in 1897. A small exhibition at the Hotel Bristol, Berlin, became one of the world’s largest automobile shows with passing years. Officially known as the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, this is an annual event.