December 11, 1894 – The world’s first auto show

The world’s first auto show took place in Paris, France on this day in 1894. A whopping total of four different automakers were on display at the Internationale de Velocipidie et de Locomotion Automobile. In 1898 French automotive pioneer Albert de Dion organized the first Salon de l’Automobile, which is known today as Mondial de l’Automobile, often referred to as the Paris Motor Show. This event has developed into one of the most important industry auto shows, as it is often the place that many automakers debut new models and concept cars. The biennial show welcomes more than one million visitors when it is held. Graphic: This poster was for the 1895 Internationale de Velocipidie et de Locomotion Automobile