An Impressive 124,297 Visitors
The 56th International Motor Show and the 17th International Motorcycle, ATV, Scooter, and Equipment Fair “Motopassion” welcomed 124,297 visitors, as recorded at the entrance gates of the Belgrade Fair between March 20 and March 26, 2025. This marks an increase of nearly 10% compared to last year’s record-breaking auto-moto exhibition.
With such an outstanding attendance, the Motor Show has reaffirmed its status as the largest global trade fair event in the automotive and related industries in March, one of the 11 biggest international fairs worldwide this year, and one of only three international motor shows in Europe.
The event took place amid ongoing global economic, energy, communication, technological, and market turbulences in the automotive industry, driven by both geopolitical upheavals and major technological shifts, as well as new business concepts. However, unlike previous years, commercial effects have significantly recovered, along with the return of traditional trade fair discounts and vehicle stock availability for swift delivery. Visitors and prospective buyers were further drawn by a richer-than-ever selection of models, improved vehicle availability, more favorable delivery conditions, as well as attractive financing options, lower bank interest rates, and other benefits offered by a broader range of banking and insurance institutions.
Under the roof of the Belgrade Fair, a record-breaking 257 exhibitors gathered to showcase 105 automotive and motorcycle brands, featuring an astounding 180 innovations. As many as 51 automotive brands premiered 80 models, while 12 light commercial vehicle brands introduced 27 debuts, and 42 motorcycle and ATV brands unveiled 72 premieres. Brand representatives made every effort to present the latest international market offerings, particularly new electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models, as well as the latest generation of environmentally advanced conventional-powered vehicles.
As expected, exhibitors from the Asian region attracted significant attention. Compared to the previous Car Show, which featured three Chinese exhibitors, this year saw an impressive increase to 20. Visitors were particularly drawn to the electric Fiat Grande Panda, a model of great importance not only for the domestic economy but also for introducing electric vehicles to the Serbian market in alignment with European standards. Equally high interest was shown in the electric Citroen C3, whose production is also set to begin soon at the Stellantis factory in Kragujevac.
In response to new spatial and organizational circumstances, the exhibition layout underwent a partial “redesign.” To accommodate the growing interest from new brands participating in the show for the first time, the event format was adjusted, and additional exhibition spaces were introduced for these newcomers—Halls 2A and 2B (Ineos, KGM, BYD Auto, BAIC, SWM, JAC, Cenntro, Avantier, Seres, N-Moto, JMEV and Chery EV, Foton Motors, Dongfeng, Victory, BAW, Dayun, and Yudo). Hall 1 was designated for the majority of “standard” brands, while premium brands (BMW, Mini, Maserati, Audi, and Porsche) were showcased in Hall 3. The light delivery vehicle program was housed in Hall 3A, while Hall 4 remained dedicated to “Motopassion”, and Hall 1A, along with part of Hall 2B, was reserved for the supporting industry and garage-service equipment.
Once again, media and public interest in both the most expensive and the most affordable models among the numerous premieres was undeniable. The priciest car at the show was the Maserati GT 2 Stradale, priced at €480,000, while the most affordable model was the Dacia Sandero, available for €14,990. Outside this price range and competition, though not for sale, the non-commercial presentation featured the extra-exclusive Bugatti Chiron, the most expensive car ever exhibited at the show, valued at several million euros.
This year’s edition of “Motopassion” showcased an exceptionally rich selection of motorcycles from all major global brands, including numerous premieres, new models, and equipment, with market sales increasing year after year.
Innovation continued to advance in the supporting industry and equipment sector, particularly among manufacturers of compatible and auxiliary equipment for environmentally advanced vehicles, EV chargers, and solar modules for applications in the automotive industry. Among the most notable exhibitors were financial institutions, insurance companies, professional organizations, clubs, associations, and specialized media. Banks, leasing companies, and insurers played a key role, collaborating with dealers and distributors to offer attractive financial arrangements, favorable loan conditions, benefits in additional vehicle equipment, extended warranties, and special service terms.
For many visitors, parts of the accompanying program were even the primary reason for their visit. The “Press Day,” dedicated to media professionals, held the day before the official opening of the fair, was one of the most visited and diverse so far. Visitors were also very satisfied with the “Family Day,” when families with children were allowed to enter at a discounted price. The selection for “Miss of the Auto and Motorcycle Fair” won by Jana Vranić, who graced the JEEP stand. The traditional classic car show, “Prince Tomislav Karađorđević Memorial,” gathered around sixty vehicles, including some centenarians. The “Car of the Year” was announced by AANS (“Citroen C3”). The “Most Successful in the Auto Industry” were named by the Automobile Forum (“Car of the Year” also “Citroen C3,” “Fair Hit” was the “Fiat Grande Panda,” and “Best Motorcycle” was the VOGE 525 DSX). NAVAK amazed visitors every day with demonstrations of safe driving…
The Belgrade Fair excellently handled its organizational duties and, together with its partners—the Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers, the Association of Road Vehicle Manufacturers of Serbia, and DDOR Insurance Novi Sad—proved to be a worthy and reliable support for the fair industry on a broader international level.
