“The World’s Most Exclusive Auto Show” was the headline of a New York Times article that appeared on Friday, April 25, 2008. The fifth edition of Top Marques Monaco thus becomes a shining new jewel in our crown of overwhelming success!
But how does one measure success? Is it just a question of numbers? The 20,000 thrilled visitors who showered praise on the show? Or the amount of sales of cars, watches, and luxury products (Euro 100 Million)? And what about quality, excellence? Many an exhibitor was quite vague about the exact number of sales, but none were vague about the quality of visitors who flowed through the doors of Top Marques Monaco 2008. Over one hundred-twenty-five exhibitors inside and outside the Grimaldi Forum provided the visitors with a panoramic view of today’s best in luxury and super cars, superboats, vintage and limited edition watches, as well as an eclectic display of products from world renowned luxury industries.
After days of rain running up to opening day, the sun greeted special guest star Damon Hill, ex-F1 champion, as he officiated the inauguration of the fifth edition of Top Marques Monaco. His tour of the exhibition marked a thrilling moment for all. However, the pièce de la résistance came at the Celebrity Lunch for 426 members of the business community of Monaco. Damon Hill, as guest speaker, proved to be an excellent speaker, indeed, expounding on his career, providing entertaining anecdotes during his days on the Grand Prix circuits. As he responded to questions and answers from the floor, he demonstrated wit as well as made salient remarks about the state of the art and the future of the F1.
Taking time from a supercharged schedule which included receiving the President of France in the Principality, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco visited the show on Friday, April 25th. His tour of the exhibition resulted in His acknowledging Top Marques Monaco’s endeavours to highlight the car manufacturers’ awareness of environmental issues with the exposition of many ‘green’ cars (the biofuel Koeningsegg, Fisker plug-in hybrid, Lexus hybrid technology, BMW Hydrogen 7, electric cars Tesla and Venturi, and E85-bio ethanol). Moreover, this year’s visitors received a great glimpse of new cars on the block including the astonishing SPADA Codatronca, plus many bespoke car manufacturers.
2008 is a ground-breaking year as Top Marques Monaco espoused its new fiancée, Top Marques Watches, which turned out to be a tremendous triumph. A pavilion of 20 exhibitors, bringing to the public’s eye hundreds of the world’s most splendid timepiece manufacturers in an astonishing display of beauty, precision, technology and design. Without going into many details, more than one exhibitor smiled as they said “we are very happy with our presence here!”
The luxury industries made headlines this year with diamond-studded wheels, exclusive real estate properties, high fashion jewellery and travelling cases, and an original Corkscew that stopped traffic. Connoisseurs of quality wines were not left out in the cold either; Gruppo Meregalli of Monza not only delighted visitors with the various products on their stand, but were the official sponsors of Top Marques Monaco Celebrity Lunch and the Citi Private Bank VIP Lounge, providing us with the best vintages in wines and champagne.
Meanwhile, outside in the streets of Monaco, roared the engines of the world’s most powerful supercars and those fabulous machines of freedom, the Hollister’s motorcyles. Rivalling the traffic from the Tennis Open and the awesome traffic resulting from President Sarkozy’s visit to the Principality, the engines found respite in zooming up and down the Moyenne and Grande Corniches, often times swerving through the Grand Prix ‘Tunnel’, giving a great boost to sales.
Saturday and Sunday brought many visitors from the Monte-Carlo Tennis Open who came from far and wide. The smiling faces were proof enough of their satisfaction with the show. Among those smiling faces one could see many celebrities from French television, and also fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger admiring the superb watches. And when you think that nothing else can happen, it does….
Sunday, late in the afternoon, Bono of U2 swept in like a summer breeze, breathing new life into the exhibitors who were all thinking about resting their feet at the end of the show. His enthusiasm was spontaneous and ignited the hearts and minds of many as he graciously greeted the stars of innovation at Top Marques Monaco 2008.
Top Marques Monaco cannot garner all this success in its own bosom. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Citi Private Bank, our title sponsor; Knight Frank, Elite Yacht Charters, ProAir Aviation, the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority and the SBM for their continued and loyal support.
To survive and even outshine the success of 2007 was a daunting challenge; 2008 has crowned us with Top Marques! Stay tuned for 2009!
Corporate Club International will again be covering and attending Top Marques Monaco in 2009 if you would like to be placed on the VIP invitation list please
e/mail annah@corporate-club.com