The 15th Zagreb Auto Show Concludes, Remembered for a Record 133 Premieres

After six dynamic days, the Zagreb Auto Show, the 15th international exhibition of cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and the supporting industry, which is also crowned with the title of the most prestigious car show in Central and Southeastern Europe, has closed its doors. The exhibition occupied all available accommodation capacities, totaling 70,000 m2 of exhibition space distributed across 14 pavilions and outdoor areas.

>>> The 15th Zagreb Auto Show Opens, Richer than Ever

This year’s Zagreb Auto Show hosted 463 exhibitors from 34 countries. A record 133 vehicle premieres were recorded, including two world and two European vice-premieres. A total of 85 brands of cars, motorcycles, bicycles, commercial, and camping vehicles were presented. This includes 28 car brands, 36 motorcycle brands, 11 bicycle brands, 19 commercial vehicle brands, 5 bus brands, and 5 camping vehicle brands. The exhibition program was accompanied by nearly 250 hours of supporting entertainment, sports, and educational park activities.

“The Zagreb Auto Show, as a true automotive celebration, proudly represents Zagreb and Croatia on the world exhibition calendar, alongside only 17 such unique and special shows from the prestigious global family of OICA auto shows. The City of Zagreb once again enables, through significant financial support, for Zagreb and Croatia to truly live their Zagreb Auto Show. Let us remember, our Auto Show was born in 1992 in Zagreb. It has grown and developed at the Zagreb Fair. Since 1996, it has been a member of the elite global family of OICA auto shows, and it is a true national treasure: it is ours, Croatian, yet so European and global. The last show was held in 2008, after which, due to a drastic decline in the automotive market, three editions of the Show were not held. In 2016, through joint efforts, the City of Zagreb and the Zagreb Fair re-established the Auto Show. The movements of the Croatian automotive market from the re-launch of the Show in 2016 to today give us the right to assert that it has always been and will remain a dynamic marketing platform in support of and promoting the development of the automotive market in Croatia,” said Dr. sc. Dina Tomšić, director of the Zagreb Fair.

>>> Zagreb Auto Show with over 460 exhibitors from 34 countries

“The changed regulatory framework within the first quarter of this year has begun to show concrete positive results in the recovery of the automotive market in Croatia. Therefore, I emphasize that, in addition to presenting premieres and novelties, the comprehensive goal of the Show is to stimulate demand that leads to recovery and greater dynamics in the automotive market. The Zagreb Auto Show has enabled Croatia to celebrate the innovation of the international and domestic automotive and motorcycle industry in recent days, and to send a beautiful image from Zagreb to the world through the Show. And not only that. All related industries that are naturally linked to the automotive sector and participate in the value creation chain of integrated marketing communication have directly and indirectly expanded alongside it,” says Tomšić.

Sustainable mobility as a human life necessity stretched as a central theme of the Show, with many exhibitors showcasing their electric and hybrid models. Panel discussions on the age of the vehicle fleet, mobility for people with special needs, and traffic safety were held on the open stage in pavilion 5. Some of the accompanying content of this year’s Zagreb Auto Show includes a parade of vintage vehicles from Ban Jelačić Square, a Harley Davidson motorcycle parade, a week-long adrenaline entertainment on three polygons: stunt rider show, drift show, DB competition, Auto style competition, demonstration rides for visitors, and a closing evening with a concert by the band “Opća opasnost”. The Show was visited by a total of 142,822 visitors, slightly more than in 2016. The lucky winner, Ivica Crneković from Konjščina, won the grand prize – a Toyota Prius Hybrid.

>>> PHOTO: Tomić & Co. Celebrates 25 Years in Business

This year, the journalistic judging panel also selected the automotive stars of the Show. The award winners by category are:

• BUS STAR – MAN LION’S CITY, exhibitor MAN Importer Croatia
• TRUCK STAR – IVECO STRALIS X-WAY, exhibitor Benussi
• MOTO STAR – DUCATI PANIGALE V 4 S, exhibitor Panigale
• ECO STAR – NISSAN LEAF, exhibitor Renault Nissan Croatia
• BEST BUY STAR – HYUNDAI KONA, exhibitor Hyundai Croatia
• TECHNO STAR – MERCEDES BENZ A CLASS, exhibitor Star Import
• SPORT STAR – RENAULT MEGANE R.S., exhibitor Renault Nissan Croatia
• SUPER STAR – VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG, exhibitor Porsche Croatia

This year’s Show was authorized by the international association of automobile and parts manufacturers OICA and was held under the high patronage of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar Kitarović. The general sponsor of the Zagreb Auto Show was INA.

The next Zagreb Auto Show will be held from March 31 to April 5, 2020.

The Zagreb Fair will host another twenty or so fairs and events this year, such as the Smart Cities conference. Some of the fair successes will also be held this year, including the Interliber, Nautika, Ambienta, Gaming Show, and this year’s revamped Healthy Living Fair.