The Los Angeles Auto Show recently concluded, attracting the automotive elite to showcase their latest electric vehicles and groundbreaking technologies. This event not only displayed some remarkable concepts but also brought to light how many of the designs intended to depict the future of the industry actually harken back to ideas that have been around since the very first auto show.

Unveiling the Past and Present of Auto Shows

History of Auto Shows

Auto shows are not a new phenomenon; their history can be traced back over 100 years. In 1898, a few pioneers in France recognized the need for a platform to showcase the latest transport technologies, and thus, the auto show was born. The first auto show was officially called the Exposition Internationale d’Automobiles and took place in France at the lawns of Le Jardin des Tuileries in Paris. This event attracted 77 manufacturers who showcased more than 200 different models to over 140,000 attendees over 18 days. It laid the foundation for the Paris Auto Show that still exists today.During this event, new creations like buses, bikes, and even cars were on display. As Autocar reports, it provided striking proof of the validity of the new industry and the abundance of invention. Some of the systems were of indifferent merit, while others were impractical, but there were many ingenious and interesting devices that held great potential.

Early Auto Show Innovations

The cars that thousands of Parisians flocked to see at the 1898 auto show were quite similar to those seen at this year's LA show. French manufacturer De Dion-Bouton presented a 20-seat steam-powered bus, while luxurious creations were designed for those seeking style. Even more akin to modern auto shows was a fleet of battery-powered taxis. Autocar adds that the public roads trial of these battery-fed taxis had ranges of up to 100km. Local EV specialists Jeantaud and Kriéger also participated, with the latter winning the prize of 1000 francs (about £8000 today) for the best two-seater.After winning the big prize at the Exposition Internationale d’Automobiles, Kriéger became a moderately successful EV manufacturer. From 1898 to 1909, the French company marketed three different battery-powered models. The Electrolette, with a 3 hp motor, could reach a top speed of around 20mph. This shows that pioneering electric car makers can bring concepts to market.