The last time Executive covered the Lebanon Motor Show, we called it a “regular fixture of the Beirut Exhibition Center.” That was 2004. For the next six years, spates of semi-annual violence kept the show in a state of hibernation… until now. This year, the show made a resurgence, and by some estimates, 2010 was its biggest year yet.
“It’s true that today, things are still a bit tense,” said Samir Homsi, president of the Lebanese Auto Association. “But most of the dealers are quite excited to do something for their country, for Lebanon. They have shown courage, and the result has been a huge success.”
The show was held at the Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure Center from April 8 to 18. Glamour, technological innovation, muscle-bound super cars and more ecologically friendly models all found a place during the 10 days of displays, with the biggest names in the business showcasing their latest offerings.
Heavy-duty equipment, motorcycle, off-road vehicle and emergency vehicle dealerships also took part.
Although official statistics were not available as Executive went to print, Promofair SAL, which organized the event with the Lebanese Association of Car Importers, estimates that between 100,000 and 150,000 people attended the event over the course of its 10-day span.
The event featured models from 30 dealers from the Auto International Association group, as well as close to 80 others from outside of the group. The last auto show received roughly equal attendance but only drew half the number of dealers.
