2018 is set to be an exciting year for the automotive industry, as well as for automotive enthusiasts around the world, as it marks the 120th anniversary of the world's largest motoring extravaganza –Mondial de l'Auto, popularly known as the Paris motor show

What started back in 1898, the Paris motor show enters its landmark edition this year and is slated to begin from October 4, 2018.

While the organisers are gearing up for a host of special events and activities, both prior and during the show, the expo will revolve around the main theme of electric, connected and autonomous driving technologies, with over 300 exhibitors expected to showcase a wide array of futuristic cars, motorcycles and even passenger-carrying drones at the show.

Apart from the regular car (Mondial de l’Auto) and motorcycle (Mondial de la Moto) exhibits, a slew of new categories have been introduced. These include the Mondial de la Mobilite – taking into account the broader picture of the transforming mobility ecosystem; and Mondial Tech – a B2B technology platform, spearing debates and discussions on technology aspects like IoT, telematics, cybersecurity and road safety.

While a special parade will commemorate the 120th anniversary, the show will also boast a special green test-drive zone, a new supercar and luxury zone, a new motorbike show, and Mondial Women – a mini-conference where lady achievers will share their interesting anecdotes, experiences and winning stories from the automotive world.

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Jean-Marc FENET, Minister-Counsellor for economic affairs, Embassy of France in India, said, “France has become a central place in Europe post-Brexit, and offers a good industrial environment for businesses to come and explore. Like India, the French passenger car market is growing tremendously, reaching sales of over 2 million units annually. The bilateral relationship between France and India has been wonderful and the recent state visit of the French president has given a new impetus to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.”

“The mobility space is witnessing foray of new technology at an unprecedented pace and France is always there to extend a helping hand to India. French automotive companies of the likes of Renault, Michelin and Faurecia are building and innovating new solutions here in India, which are set to benefit a lot of emerging markets across the globe. These companies are being highly benefited by the excellent talent pool offered by India in terms of its highly competent engineers,” the minister added.

The Paris motor show, which recorded footfalls of over 1 million visitors and over 10,000 journalists from around the world in 2017, is now looking to scale even greater heights. The show will remain open to the general public between October 4 to 14, 2018. Stay put for all the extensive action from the ground.