SIAM Monaco 2017

SIAM 2017: the first Monaco International Motor Show !

Glorious sunshine greeted the first Monaco International Motor Show, from 16 to 19 February 2017. This unique open air event
focused on ecology, innovation, technology, mobility and prestige. Amongst the futurist looking vehicles we met up with Isabelle Cottone, founder of Justdin.

What do you take away from your visit to SIAM 2017 ?

I could mention the ecological and innovative vehicles by Smart or Tesla, cars with state of the art technologies and prestigious brands such as Lamborghini, Porsche or Lexus. But what struck me the most, was all these people coming together for the same passion: cars. During the visit, children and adults have been able to meet passionate individuals of the sector to share and discuss this shared interest.

Did you meet any interesting people ?

Impossible not to in such a place !
Olivier Soulat showed us the Mehari a 100% electric, customisable, open-top car from the seventies, which has a battery from 10 to 15km<h, with an autonomy of about 100-150 km. Enough to satisfy the most demanding drivers ! He also presented a “Security Park” service close to the centre of Valence for the lucky owners of vintage, sports or luxury cars. A safe, salubrious and protected place with video surveillance, hydraulic anti-theft bollards and rental of private car parking spaces.

What struck you the most ?

It’s hard to choose one single thing after this kind of visit. But I have to admit that I am always sensitive to ecology. I greatly appreciated the fact that visitors could use the free “Bluebus” minibuses. If I had to choose someone it would be Dominique Mocquard who presented us with the concept of Ritsaart van Montfrans, founder of Newmotion.
For lovers of electric cars, “NEWMOTION” has thought of everything !
Choosing to travel in an electric car is not simply a trend but a way of life.
I have to admit that I was truly taken by this concept that brings together 30,000 lovers of electric cars from across Europe. Since 2009 Newmotion has allowed 1500 workplaces
to convert their car parking spaces in intelligent charging stations.
I felt in tune with this concept of promoting a community and of sharing: Justdin’s core values! This is why we want to contribute to this great initiative, by taking part in
the development of charging stations in our region. And you ? Do you want to become active members of Newmotion ?

Did you have any unexpected meetings ?

Unexpected meetings are the most intense. I had the honour of meeting Mrs Hsieh and Mr Ken Lin, at the “Tea bar”. This welcoming corner right at the heart of the salon was a veritable oasis which whisked me off to Asia. I was able to taste oolong tea, that marries the benefits of black and green tea together.
During the tasting, Mr Ken told me a small anecdote : “At home meals could last just a few minutes. But we could spend an incalculable number of hours discussing the important moments of the day and future projects over tea”.
Tea as the excuse for coming together and sharing an authentic moment of exchange in a family, with friends or even with strangers (that don’t remain strangers for long!).
I want to thank XIE TEA CO.LTD for the welcome and for this unique moment. I’ll give it a try : “Xie Xie”, which in Mandarin means “Thank you”.
Anything you want to add ? A well done to the Principality of Monaco for this event. We eagerly await the dates for the next edition.