The Barcelona Show has a long history and is very popular with the local residents. Large signs and flags adorned the street, and some of the city's buses were also painted in show colors.

The exhibition was held at Fira Barcelona, which is located within the city and well served by the subway and bus systems. Its layout was very well coordinated between the nine halls and outside exhibitions. The halls had a large number of columns, which made it easier for exhibitors to attach their logos, banners and lights, and made for more interesting booths.

About 400 companies participated. Exhibits covered a wide range of categories, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, parts and oil. In excess of 1.0 million people visited the exhibition. Show pamphlets bearing the logos of the 7 sponsor companies were passed out as you entered the venue.

Almost all of the major Japanese, U.S. and European automakers were on hand for the show. Japanese exhibitors included Isuzu, Toyota（and Lexus）, Nissan, Fuji Heavy, Honda, Mazda and Mitsubishi. The layout was designed with global corporate groups in mind.
Space was assigned according to reasonable priorities, based mostly on the size of the auto maker, although the local auto maker, Seat, did monopolize one hall. The exhibitions were hands-on and focused on models currently on the market. The show also had an impressive 17 special programs, including four-wheel-drive test rides on a special course. For the adults, the emphasis was on enjoying the vehicles themselves by learning about their performance and driving techniques. For children, the emphasis was on learning the rules of the road and becoming familiar with cars through driving simulations and radio controlled vehicles.