automobile

Trade fair returns to Montjuïc with 23 automakers present and electric and hybrid vehicles center stage

Former head of sales has ambitions to make electric vehicle in Catalonia

Over 3,000 people work in the factories of Japanese carmaker, which moves out after 40 years of activity

International sales in Catalonia account for 24.9% of Spain's total

CDR members accused of terrorism and criminal damage

Sales abroad grew compared to same month last year, accounting for 25.5% of all goods exported from Spain

Motor show in Catalan capital to feature 42 new vehicles against backdrop of possible protests by Nissan workers

No deal with unions after four meetings; promised investment of 70 million euro up in the air

The Catalan plant of the firm will lead the Volkswagen group's electric car platform

Chemical, automobile and equipment sectors driving most of the sales

The 39th edition of the Automobile Barcelona show closed its doors with a record figure of more than 755,000 visitors, about 5,000 more than in the past edition in 2015. Sales agreements increased 15% compared to the last edition, reaching almost 80,000 vehicles sold. “This year’s edition has marked a before and after for automobile shows worldwide,” stated the chairman of Automobile Barcelona, Enrique Lacalle. “We have invented the automobile show of the future, introducing a new format and a new philosophy of trade shows that have been well received by the public and the sector professionals. And this has significantly increased the number of visitors and sales,” Lacalle added. The chairman also informed that 47% of the visitors who came to buy a car, showed interest in the “connected car” innovation.

Barcelona’s car show, which has brought the main novelties of the automotive sector to the Catalan capital for nearly a century, has reinvented itself. The new ‘Automobile Barcelona’ fair opened its doors this Thursday focused on innovation, said the fair’s president, Enric Lacalle. During the next ten days, more than 90 companies, 30 car brands, and 108 speakers are expected at the Fira de Barcelona, including Tesla and other companies related to the new technologies such as Google or Facebook. Volkswagen is a notable exception. Catalan President, Carles Pugidemont, welcomed the “partnership” between connectivity and the car industry but insisted that the main challenge is that everyone be able to enjoy this combination and not just a select few.