Frankfurt Motor Show 2011 Stats: 900,000 visitors, innovation and more

The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show has been considered a grand success. Automobile manufactures for all makes and models of cars, old and new, from the most elaborate and pricey to more modest and even electric vehicles were showcased.

In a press release, Matthias Wissmann, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) made this statement at the IAA's closing press conference in Frankfurt am Main, “This 64th IAA Cars is a strong IAA! The world's most important trade fair for mobility has sent out strong signals and - 60 years after its first show here in Frankfurt am Main - presented itself in a new quality. Precisely in these times of turbulence on the finance markets, the IAA has sent out strong signals of stability in manufacturing and of automotive growth. For the politicians, here it has become visible and comprehensible, just how strong the manufacturing sector is, and the innovative drive for the future that characterizes this industry."

Wissmann continued, "Brussels also sent guests - most importantly European Commissioner Oettinger - who saw the quality of the IAA. When a dynamic economy and targeted policy act in concert, I am sure that we will find ways for Europe to perform its tasks with more determination, energy and consistency. The finance markets must again serve the manufacturing sector. We obviously need transparent rules, that is to say, world-wide regulation of this sector."

Wissman pointed out that this year’s showing had innovative exhibits of extreme quality. He said there were about 1,012 exhibitors, 235,000 sq m of exhibition space and 183 world premieres. He shared that the visitors to the show were very pleased with the innovation, the Internet and individual mobility that were shown in the cars on exhibit.

In the press release, Wissman made this statement about the visitors at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, “People want cars and they want innovation. They want the Internet and individual mobility. They want efficient vehicles that at the same time meet their demands for high levels of safety, comfort, quality and design - and all of that at affordable prices. We can already estimate that we will ultimately have welcomed more than 900,000 visitors when this IAA closes its doors. This means that we expect at least 7 to 10 per cent more visitors than at the IAA 2009. This level of interest far exceeds our expectations. The result of people 'voting with their feet' clearly indicates - in contrast to some statements by so-called experts - that the 'fascination of the car' is very strong, especially among young people. And we regard that as a strong signal from the 64th IAA Cars."

One in five visitors comes from abroad to help make the 2011 IAA and over 12,000 media professionals came from 98 countries to report on the 64th IAA. With an average age of 35 years, the IAA visitors are one year younger than those at the last IAA.