Nice Premium: Can you introduce this show?
Lori Balyozyan: This is the 1st AutoBioMobile show. Its primary goal is to raise awareness among the general public, professionals, and young people by informing them and introducing them to new modes of transportation to limit the impact of transport on the environment. It is a place where current and upcoming solutions are highlighted. It is an opportunity to present vehicles of all categories, such as bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, hybrid construction vehicles with bioethanol, or car-sharing systems. Manufacturers will give demonstrations, and visitors will even be able to try them out.
NP: Who originated this show?
LB: The idea was initiated on clean and efficient cars by the Federation of Junior Chambers of Commerce in the PACA region. The Junior Chamber of Commerce of Nice Cรดte d’Azur, a member of this federation, wanted to carry out this project. We focused more on ecomobility to promote new modes of transportation.
NP: How long have you been working on this project?
LB: We started working on this project in January 2010. We have been working on it for almost 10 months.
NP: Why did you launch this AutoBioMobile show on the Cรดte d’Azur?
LB: At the Junior Chamber of Commerce, we initiate projects in our city. The objective is to create economic activities and events in the city. We wanted to absolutely launch this project here in Nice.
NP: Did you encounter any difficulties when launching this show?
LB: Our biggest challenge at the junior chamber is that we are all volunteers. We have professional activities at the same time. The show has become quite large in scale. It’s a somewhat crazy gamble that we launched within our association. I think the biggest challenge was juggling between professional life and volunteer work. Organizing this show takes a lot of time and requires special organization.
NP: Where is the show held?
LB: It is held at the Parc Phoenix in Nice.
NP: When does it start?
LB: It starts on October 22nd with the inauguration at 9:30 am, in the presence of Christian Estrosi. Officials and elected representatives will be present during the inauguration. This show lasts for 4 days, until October 25th, from 10 am to 6 pm.
NP: Who is the target audience for this show?
LB: It is ultimately addressed to everyone because transportation is an issue for everyone. It’s about how to move in a cleaner and more economical way. It concerns both professionals in choosing their vehicle fleet and individuals in purchasing a more efficient vehicle. Even for individuals, means of transportation that don’t involve using their cars, such as buses, trams, and bicycles, are presented. These are the different solutions proposed for smarter mobility.
NP: What is the size of the show?
LB: Parc Phoenix covers 7,000 square meters. We will have about 6,000 square meters of stands and activities.
NP: How many exhibitors are there?
LB: We have counted about 140 exhibitors today.
NP: Which exhibitor should not be missed?
LB: In fact, there are several things to see. All the major manufacturers will be there. Among them, Peugeot, Renault with its new electric vehicles, Heuliez with the electric “Mia.” Also, Citroรซn with the C0, Smart, and Mini with the electric version. There will also be hybrids from Toyota and Honda. I believe we will even have the opportunity to present the Piaggio Hybrid.
NP: How many visitors are you expecting for this first edition?
LB: We expect between 10,000 and 15,000 visitors throughout the show.
NP: Are you confident about a second show next year?
LB: The junior chamber is the initiator of new projects. Once the project is completed, the goal is to pass it on to ensure its sustainability. We will not be the next organizers. Our goal will be to hand it over to ensure another show with an economic aspect behind it. Today, it is organized on a volunteer basis.
