The 35th edition of the Motor Show of Bologna, one of the most important events in Italy in the field of motors, has just ended.

The curtain has just fallen on the Motor Show of Bologna, one of the most important trade shows in Italy. The 35th edition of the International Automobile Exhibition, in which 340 exhibitors took part (including car dealers, car accessories shops, associations and specialized magazines), ended on the 12th of December, after 9 busy days.

The event, which was born in 1976 of an idea by Mario Zodiaco, celebrated its 35th birthday with an edition that went beyond all expectations - according to the organizers - although it took place in a difficult moment for the market in general and notably for the motor market. Over 800.000 visitors entered the 11 pavilions and the 8 external areas that make up the trade show area, visiting the stalls and attending the thrilling shows that make the Motor Show one of a kind. The main peculiarity of the Motor Show is that it combines exhibitory spaces – with the presentation of prototypes and of new models of all the most popular car manufacturers – and many shows, races and competitions. Rally, in particular, has been the protagonist of the last day of the Motor Show, with the last stage of the race of the Findomestic Memorial Bettega, which this year was won by Citroen driver Sebastien Ogier, who beat another Citroen pilot, Petter Solberg. In addition to races, the outdoor areas also hosted the test drives organized by various car manufacturers, which were much appreciated by visitors. Moreover, this year the Motor Show hosted also many interesting debates dealing with important issues regarding the world of motors, from the difficult moment that the motor market is going through to road safety.

As far as the exhibition is concerned, also this year the Motor Show presented many novelties, although the motor market is not going through a very positive period, as has already been said. The visitors of the fair had the chance to be the first to see some brand new models that have not arrived in Italy yet, and in some cases not even in Europe, like the five-door Range Rover Evoque. But all the main car manufacturers presented new models, from the brand new Opel Astra Wagon to the Genesis Coupé, the fastest Hyundai ever. One of the most appreciated pavilions was the ecology one, with the presentation of various electric vehicles, which were much appreciated by visitors, as evidenced by the over 5000 test drives that were carried out.

Also women enjoyed the Motor Show, in spite of the belief that women and motors are two separate worlds, which are never going to meet: for the first time in the Motor Show there was a "Percorso donna" (route for women), i.e. a series of spaces entirely devoted to female visitors.

If you missed all this, remember to take part in the next edition of the Motor Show, which will be held in Bologna from the 3rd to the 11th December 2011.