The report describes five major international auto shows where automakers unveil new vehicles and concepts.
The Paris Motor Show, held biennially in France since 1898, has hosted debuts including the Peugeot 402 in 1935, Renault 4CV in 1946, Citroen 2CV in 1948, and Renault 5 Turbo in 1978. The 2026 iteration featured concept cars like an all-electric Citroen 2CV revival, Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso, Peugeot E-T16 and RCZ Vision, Alpine A310 Vision, Renault E-Space, and Fiat Multiplay.
Germany's IAA Mobility, the world's oldest surviving car show at 129 years old, is held biennially and showcases German marques including BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche. Historical debuts include the BMW 1500 in 1961, Volkswagen Golf GTI concept in 1975, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 in 1983, and Porsche 918 Spyder in 2013. The 2025 IAA Mobility featured the BMW iX3, electric Mercedes-Benz GLC and Concept AMG GT XX, Audi Concept C, Porsche 911 Turbo S (992.2), and a near-production Volkswagen ID.Polo.
The Japan Mobility Show, held since 1954 as a biennial event, has launched iconic Japanese vehicles including the Mazda Cosmo Sport in 1963, Toyota 2000GT in 1965, Nissan Skyline GT-R in 1968, Toyota Prius concept in 1995, and Lexus LFA in 2009. A recent iteration featured a next-gen Toyota Corolla concept, Honda 0 Alpha, and a six-wheeled Lexus LS luxury van.
China hosts two major motor shows held in alternating years. Auto Shanghai and the Beijing Motor Show have showcased vehicles like the BYD Yangwang U8 and U9, Hongqi Guoya limousine, and Dongfeng MHERO M-Hunter concept. Global automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, and Mini have also used these venues for debuts.
Monterey Car Week in California, held annually in August, focuses on luxury and collector cars. Bugatti, Hennessey, and McLaren have revealed vehicles there. A 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe sold for $42.9 million at this year's Monterey Car Week auction, while a "Tailor Made" Ferrari Luce fetched $40 million with proceeds going to charity.