The Volkswagen Group has pulled Bentley and Lamborghini out of the upcoming Paris motor show as the company continues to cut costs across the group following last year’s emissions scandal. Aside from covering fines and payments linked to the scandal, the company’s cost-cutting drive is an effort to fund a strategic shift in business as well.
Bentley has revealed that it will shift focus on smaller events to reach buyers more directly. Meanwhile Lamborghini is revising its auto show attendance strategy, including its choice of show locations. Additionally, a Volkswagen spokesman has also revealed that the carmaker will be toning down its showcase in Paris, presenting stationary cars with the executive speeches focusing on design.
Lamborghini and Bentley may not be the only high profile names missing from the Paris motor show as more and more carmakers move to online mediums like blogs and other web-based events to reach potential buyers. Recent online reports suggest that Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Volvo and Ford will be skipping the event as well.