2021: The sector hopes for a boost for the entire branch
In 2021, the car industry is well prepared for the highlight of the year: the Autofestival. 88 associated auto dealerships will take part and show what's new in 170 showrooms. The festival is traditionally not only a real boost for the sector itself (30,000 visitors, 20,000 cars sold), but also a kind of economic “barometer”. Among other things, trends in consumer behaviour can be read from the sales figures. In times of a pandemic, this is quite an interesting aspect and a sort of test run.
Speaking of Corona: the leaders of the "Fédération des distributeurs automobiles et de la mobilité" (FEDAMO), together with their members, have placed great importance on security since the beginning of the pandemic and have developed far-reaching protection concepts. In addition, increased use has been made of digital solutions in communication. Festival visitors also have the opportunity to make appointments. This should make the flow of visitors more efficient.
Picking up where 2019 left off
In general, the automotive industry hopes to build on 2019, when record figures were recorded on the car market in Luxembourg. In 2020, things went downhill a bit; of course, also and primarily due to the Corona crisis. Here are a few figures: According to the "Société nationale de circulation automobile" (SNCA), the number of new registrations in the passenger car sector in 2020 amounted to 45,189 units (minus 9,819 units compared to 2019). The used car market in the passenger vehicle sector was also down last year, from 63,788 units in 2019 to 61,637 vehicles.
"For us, the festival sets the tone for the year. This event weighs heavy economically, for the sector with its 180 businesses and 5000 employees," says Philippe Mersch, President of FEDAMO. He adds that together they have done everything possible to make the 2021 edition a success. "Right now, it makes sense for companies in the automotive sector to break new ground in marketing, to make full use of digital opportunities," says Philippe Mersch.
For Miriam Eisenmenger, "Group Marketing Manager" at Losch Luxembourg, the enthusiasm of many for cars is a reality even in Corona times. "Buying a car still has something to do with turning dreams into reality. That's what we want to make possible," says the manager and emphasises that they hope to be able, through the festival, to trigger a kind of initial ignition for a better business year in 2021. "That would be a boost that would do everyone some good".
"We want to inspire"
The topic of innovation is particularly dear to the industry. At the Autofestival, the latest developments in mobility are presented. According to Miriam Eisenmenger, this has an overall economic and even political background: "In order for the mobility of the future to pick up speed, you have to bring new products and technologies to the customers; inform them, involve them and inspire them". As an event "Made in Luxembourg", the "Mobility Show Autofestival" stands for passion, emotion and enthusiasm for the automobile.
