Motor shows are generally superb barometers of the motor industry's health, and the Geneva International Motor Show - hosted annually in March, and therefore Europe's first major car expo each year - is no different.
Switzerland has no domestic motor industry save for specialist builders, and therefore visitors are spared the overt patriotism of the Frankfurt, Paris, Tokyo or Detroit shows while gaining glimpses of motoring's future.
Although not in the EU, Geneva is easily accessible from virtually every corner of the continent, particularly as budget airlines have major hubs at the airport. Some brisk walking, though, does justice to the show's seven halls in a single 12-hour day - so it is little wonder Geneva annually attracts 700,000 visitors over 14 days.