‘Automobile Barcelona 2025 comes at the perfect time to boost electromobility and boost sales’

The growing interest in electrified vehicles and a dynamic renewal of vehicles increase the interest in the next edition of Automobile Barcelona from 9 to 18 May. José Miguel García, director of the event, gives us a preview of some of the attractive aspects of the event.

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Entrevista publicada en AutoRevista 2.401

AutoRevista.- At what point does this new edition of Automobile Barcelona come after exceeding one million units of new passenger cars and SUVs sold in 2024 and with the reactivation of MOVES?

José Miguel García.- This edition comes at a key moment. Last year, more than one million units were sold in Spain and a recovery of the sector was perceived. Even so, Spain has one of the oldest car fleets in Europe and we need to give a decisive boost to electrification. That is why Automobile Barcelona 2025 comes at the perfect time and with the aim of boosting electromobility and boosting sales. People are more interested than ever in electrified vehicles, and this gives us the opportunity to show them all the models and alternatives available. In addition, the renewal of the MOVES III plan with the allocation of an additional 400 million by 2025 creates optimal conditions to give a further boost to the purchase of electrified vehicles.

Spain has one of the oldest car fleets in Europe and we need to give a decisive boost to electrification

AR.- The collaboration with ANFAC has been extended for yet another edition. How are you working with the association to achieve an edition that attracts sales and makes society more aware of the importance of the sector?

J.M.G.- ANFAC is more than a collaborator, it is a fundamental partner without which Automobile Barcelona would not be the show that it is. Its commitment and that of the brands makes it possible for Barcelona to be the biggest showcase for the automotive sector for a few days and for visitors to discover the main innovations in terms of vehicles and engines. Together we create the perfect environment for society to see the importance of the automotive sector and how new trends, such as electrification, are essential for a sustainable future with agile mobility for all. In addition, we will have the ANFAC-FECAVEM Congress where both associations will address key issues such as sustainable mobility and charging infrastructure.

AR.- In terms of geographical links, we can talk about SEAT's 75th anniversary with the Future Fast Forward project underway, the commercial launch of EBRO with models coming out of Zona Franca, the drive of Silence Acciona... what are the attractions of these projects based in Catalonia?

J.M.G.- All these projects are proof of the indissoluble relationship between Barcelona and Catalonia and the automotive sector. It was here that the automotive industry took its first steps in Spain and it is here that the future of the sector is being cemented. SEAT's 75th anniversary and its Future Fast Forward project to make the country the main European hub for electromobility are paradigmatic examples. 

But the relaunch of EBRO just two years ago, with the launch of hybrid and electric models, together with Silence Acciona's drive towards a new model of sustainable and flexible mobility in which the diversity of transport modes is adjusted to the needs of each moment, show not only Catalonia's commitment to innovation in the automotive sector, but also its commitment to a sustainable future. Individually we could consider them exciting projects for consumers and motor enthusiasts, but together they represent a major economic and technological boost for the region and the renewal of Catalonia and Barcelona's love affair with the motoring world.

AR.- Last February, the President of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Salvador Illa, presented the 2025-2030 Electric Vehicle Promotion Plan, with which the Government will mobilise more than 1,400 million euros up to 2030. How does Automobile Barcelona assess this plan? Does it have any influence on the event?

J.M.G.- It is, without a doubt, a very positive plan for the sector and for the region. Mobilising more than 1,400 million euros will undoubtedly help to accelerate the implementation of electric vehicles in Catalonia. This plan may have an influence on future editions of our event, as it reinforces the need for a transition towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility, and will help to renew the vehicle fleet.

The Plan de Impulso del Vehículo Eléctrico 2025-2030 of the Generalitat de Catalunya may have an influence on future editions of our event

AR.- The public is interested in finding out more about the arrival of Chinese brands, how important are they going to be in terms of continuing to grow as exhibitors at Automobile Barcelona?

J.M.G.- Automobile Barcelona is, like most events, a reflection of the reality of the sector they represent. Chinese brands are gaining importance in the market and also at Automobile Barcelona. Brands such as BYD, Lynk&Co, MG, Omoda and Xpeng have carved out a niche for themselves in the market in a very short space of time. Their commitment to innovation and competitiveness has convinced many buyers and I am convinced that at Automobile Barcelona they will convince many more. This is something that has happened historically with other nationalities. In the 1990s it was the Korean brands such as Hyundai, Kia and Daewoo, and decades before that it was the first Japanese brands.

Their [Chinese brands'] commitment to innovation and competitiveness have convinced many buyers and I am convinced that at Automobile Barcelona they will convince many more

AR.- How is the Test Drive area being promoted so that those who come along for the ride can get a valuable and interesting experience of the technologies applied to the driving of different models?

J.M.G.- The Test Drive area is designed to give visitors a hands-on experience so that they can get behind the wheel of vehicles, including electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrids. It is one of Automobile Barcelona's main tools to dispel any doubts that buyers may have before purchasing a vehicle. By experiencing first-hand the features and benefits of the new models, both electrified and with internal combustion engines, doubts disappear and, in the case of electric vehicles, confidence in these new technologies is consolidated.

AR.- What impact do you expect to receive from activities such as Movie Machines and Motorsports?

J.M.G.- Automobile Barcelona is a festival for motor enthusiasts and for visitors in general and this means that it is much more than a show where visitors discover the latest models from the brands. Visitors find at Automobile leisure spaces and exhibitions in which the car and the culture surrounding it are the protagonists. No one doubts the enormous impact that the automobile has had on popular culture and ‘Movie Machines’ will show precisely how cars have become icons and protagonists of countless films, recalling some mythical examples and offering visitors the chance to see some of these models live. ‘Motorsports’ opens the window to another area inseparable from cars: racing. Visitors will be able to explore the world of sporting competitions from another perspective, seeing a bit of the behind-the-scenes and what the pits are like inside and how the technicians work.