Press Conference: Cars and Motorcycles Ready for the Start

The press conference organized for the occasion of the DDOR BG CAR SHOW 08 and the 16^th “MOTOPASSION”- Motorcycle Show, featuring quads, scooters, and equipment, held at the Belgrade Fair from 21 to 27 March 2024, was a great introduction to the upcoming grandiose event.

Zoran Lupšić, project coordinator, highlighted the history of this unique event, the most representative regional show of the automotive and motorcycle industry in this part of Europe.

He reminded that the First International Automobile Salon, held in March 1938, was the first independent, specialized fair event of the newly born Belgrade Fair, which then became one of the nine officially registered automobile salons in Europe, and thus one of the metropolises of the global automotive industry.

The current BG CAR SHOW, as a biennial exhibition and sales event, was first organized in 2006, after the traditional International Automobile Salon, as part of the redistribution of an increasing number of fairs under the auspices of OICA, switched to a biennial regime. More than successfully, BG CAR SHOW replaced the Salon, in the years when “inactive”, both in terms of content richness and exhibitor and visitor interest.

Lupšić also mentioned that the number of exhibitors, represented brands, and premieres, especially in the motorcycle sector, is a very pleasant surprise. Thus, at the car show, 230 exhibitors are represented, with more than 30 automotive brands and 38 premieres, while at Motopassion, there were around 50 exhibitors, with more than 30 brands and the incredible 60 premieres, despite some exhibitors withdrawing due to problems in delivering exhibits.

He said that the hall layout and exhibit arrangement have retained the same design as it was last year, so Mazda, Nissan, MG, Škoda, Subaru, Isuzu, Toyota, Honda, Opel, Peugeot, Suzuki, Fiat, Abarth, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Chery, Ford, Hyundai, Dacia, Renault, Kia, Volvo, Geely, Lynk&Co. will be in hall 1, and the premium class Mercedes, Maybach, BMW, and Mini in hall 3. In addition to light commercial vehicles and exhibitors of the LCV program, special attention in hall 3A will be drawn to Chinese electric vehicles of various purposes. Hall 4 is intended for motorcycles, ATV vehicles, and scooters, while accompanying automotive equipment will be in halls 2 and 1A.

Aleksandra Đurđević, president of the Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers, highlighted current trends in the automotive and motorcycle market, emphasizing the issue of the age structure of the domestic fleet and the balance between used and new cars in both domestic and regional markets. Although not yet to a sufficient extent, the relative growth in sales of new and electric vehicles, including luxury ones, suggests better times ahead.

She praised the positive measures and initiatives of the Serbian Government and the relevant ministries, towards rejuvenating the fleet, improving infrastructure necessary for the operation of electric vehicles, primarily by expanding the charger system, introducing green license plates, free parking for electric vehicles, abolishing tolls, etc.

Among the positive signs, she mentioned the announced measures to ban the import of vehicles with Euro 3 and 4 engines, measures related to recycling, etc.

The removal of subsidies for hybrid and electric vehicles, which she regarded as a logical transition from conventional engines to electric ones in our conditions, she assessed as a stagnation in support for electric vehicles and hybrids.

Aleksandar Bebić, Sales Director of DDOR Insurance Novi Sad, stated that he is extremely pleased that visitors to this year’s Car Show, following the example of world metropolises like Geneva, Paris, New York, Frankfurt, will have the opportunity to experience a magnificent (one of the most exciting) experience in technological innovations and revolutionary vehicle designs presented by leading global brands in the automotive industry. He thanked the organizers of the Fair because, despite a challenging year, they managed to organize a top event that will undoubtedly be remembered as a great moment for our country, the automotive industry, and the economy, as well as for all relevant stakeholders, including DDOR, which has been providing wholehearted support to the Fair as its general sponsor for a decade now.

“As part of the strong Unipol Group, one of the leaders in the European financial market, with a significant presence in the automotive business, we proudly transfer our insurance experience from European markets combined with our long-standing exceptional dedication in providing top-notch vehicle insurance services. All of this has made DDOR a reliable partner for both drivers and the automotive industry for years,” he said.

“When it comes to DDOR’s presentation at the Fair, visitors will have the opportunity to get special offers for their four-wheelers, compete in a knowledge quiz, and also, on a bicycle riding simulator, they can try out virtual rides through the beautiful landscapes of the Italian Dolomites and European cities. Visitors to our stand can expect daily prizes, and the grand prize, as well.”

This year, just like in previous years, DDOR will allocate significant funds for training young drivers at the NAVAK academy. High school graduates will have the opportunity to apply and receive free training in safe driving through cooperation with the NAVAK academy.

“The Car Show, driving, wheels, we are convinced that driving through life Turns out for the best, and DDOR is here to turn it out for the best,” Bebić concluded.