Carmakers quit Paris Motor Show to go online

Ford Motor Co and Rolls-Royce are among the companies skipping the Paris Motor Show, as the once-unmissable event succumbs to changes sweeping the industry. Instead of shelling out millions to woo consumers to crowded exhibition centers, carmakers are reaching out to buyers where they like to spend time - on Instagram, blogs and the beach.

"There used to be the feeling that you had to be at every motor show," said Andy Palmer, chief executive of cer of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, which is also snubbing the Paris event later this month. "But there are sometimes better ways of doing it than just always spending money on show after show after show."

Volvo Cars won't be in Paris either, as it scales back on car shows globally to market more directly to buyers. Most of BMW AG's top executives will be at a board meeting discussing electric-car strategy rather than trumpeting about the models available now. Volkswagen AG will rein in spending at the show, dispensing with its opulent Group Night gala event and a stand for its Lamborghini supercar unit.