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As long-standing partners of Top Marques Monaco, the CEOs of two of the Principality’s most renowned car dealerships—Groupe Segond Automobiles and BPM Exclusive—come together to share their unique perspectives on the future of the supercar industry.
GUIDO GIOVANNELLI
First up in our exclusive tête-à-tête is Guido Giovannelli, General Manager of Monaco Luxury and BPM Exclusive, which represents Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, McLaren, Pagani, Pininfarina, Mercedes-Benz, Ineos, Morgan, Maserati, Jaguar, Land Rover, Caterham et Dallara.
- Among all the car brands you represent in the Principality, which one are you most attached to and why?
That’s a difficult question! We represent 15 different brands in the Principality, each with their own identity and strengths. But if I had to choose one, it would be Maserati. It’s the latest brand to join our portfolio, and I’m particularly attached to it because I’ve dedicated 25 years of my career to it.
- Among the brands you represent, which one best defines the Monegasque lifestyle?
Rolls-Royce. A brand that represents the ultimate luxury tradition, but also remains very modern, especially with its Spectre model, which is fully electric. This brand reflects Monaco—an exclusive city with an incredible history but focused on the future and very attentive to environmental concerns.
- If you had to choose a car for a Sunday drive, classic or modern, which one would you choose?
Classique, sans hésitation !
- What are your thoughts on the end of sales of combustion engine vehicles by 2035, as a car enthusiast?
I’m not opposed to electric cars, on the contrary. They are very pleasant to drive, especially in the city.
But the idea of seeing combustion engines disappear hurts… A combustion engine is a work of art: a complex system where mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and acoustics have been perfected for over a century.
- Monaco is known for its exclusivity and authenticity. Do you think Monaco’s car culture will evolve to include eco-friendly vehicles?
The brands we represent will preserve their DNA while integrating technological advancements. The driving experience will remain in line with our customers’ expectations, even with the growing electrification of the market.
- Eco-friendly supercars are still a relatively new concept. Do you think your clients are ready for this change, or do they prefer the traditional sound of an engine?
We already have hybrid sports cars. An iconic brand like Ferrari has been offering electric models for over 10 years. The “La Ferrari” model already combined a V12 engine with an electric system inspired by Formula 1. Today, the idea of a 100% electric supercar still raises some doubts, but the evolution is underway. Even Ferrari is working on its first fully electric model.
- What’s been your favorite engine: V8, V10, or V12?
V12 !
- Which new car brands do you think you’ll acquire in the coming years?
We’re very satisfied with our current representation and don’t have any new brands in mind for the moment.
That said, we remain open to opportunities.
- A bit of fun: You represent the biggest car names in Monaco, but between the two of you, who’s the best driver?
I’ll let Stéphane take the lead on land. But in the air, I’m probably the better one, because my passion is flying planes and helicopters!
- And one last question: What do you think of Top Marques; why do you come every year?
In my eyes, it’s the car celebration of Monaco! A time when clients, manufacturers, and enthusiasts gather—it’s a completely unique occasion. The atmosphere is unparalleled: we move from one stand to another, discovering exceptional models… It’s a real pleasure every edition.
STEPHANE COLMART
In the second part of our exclusive tête-à-tête, Stéphane Colmart, CEO of Groupe Segond Automobiles—which represents prestigious brands like Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bugatti, Devinci, Fiat, Jeep, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Suzuki—shares his insights.
- Of all the car brands you represent in the Principality, which one are you most attached to and why?
The Segond Automobiles Group is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Currently, we are an authorized distributor and service centre for 10 prestigious car brands in the Principality and the Alpes-Maritimes. Each of them has its charms and strengths, offering vehicles that combine elegance, luxury, sportiness, design, and agility. As you can understand, I can’t limit myself to choosing just one. I love them all!
- Among the brands you represent, which one best defines the Monegasque lifestyle?
All the brands we represent today perfectly match the Monegasque lifestyle, without any exceptions. Notably, Bugatti, of course, which made history in 1931 thanks to the victory of Monegasque Louis Chiron at the Monaco Grand Prix. This exceptional French brand, inspiring, combines hyper-luxury, exclusivity, craftsmanship, elegance, authenticity, sportiness, and customization. I suggest you look at the latest Bugatti-Rimac named “Tourbillon” to be completely convinced.
- If you had to choose a car for a Sunday drive, classic or modern, which one would you choose?
A beautiful Porsche 911 Cabriolet, whether modern or classic, to drive through the beautiful landscapes of our region in the sunshine.
- What are your thoughts on the end of sales of combustion engine vehicles by 2035, as a car enthusiast?
You know that electric and hybrid vehicles from the brands we represent are very pleasant to drive. Even though they no longer produce the same rumble as a thermal engine… We’ll see where the future takes us, but one thing is certain: there will always be thermal vehicles for sale, even if only as beautiful used cars. Also, we can count on manufacturers continuing to develop “cleaner” thermal engines. That’s for sure!
- Monaco is known for its exclusivity and authenticity. Do you think Monaco’s car culture will evolve to include eco-friendly vehicles?
It’s already the case. The Principality has been working for several years now to promote ecological vehicles, with the installation of many charging stations in the area, thanks in part to the interesting ecological bonus for the purchase of electric vehicles, for example. In terms of sportiness, you know Monaco hosts the Formula E Grand Prix. Look at the incredible success of small electric vehicles like the Fiat 500 in the Principality; this success truly shows the enthusiasm for ecological vehicles in Monaco.
- Eco-friendly supercars are still a relatively new concept. Do you think your clients are ready for this change, or do they prefer the traditional sound of an engine?
The transition to 100% electric supercars is still complex to grasp. However, all manufacturers are now well engaged in designing ecological supercars, particularly with hybridization. Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Audi, to name just a few iconic brands, now offer a wide range of hybrid or electric supercars.
- What’s been your favorite engine: V8, V10, or V12?
V12.
- Which new car brands do you think you’ll acquire in the coming years?
We already offer a wide range of brands and vehicle types that meet the needs of our clients. We are not in a race for the number of brands represented. It’s clear that if an interesting opportunity arises to complement our range, we will consider it.
- A bit of fun: You represent the biggest car names in Monaco, but between the two of you, who’s the best driver?
No idea! But rumors suggest that Guido is a great athlete… I should be able to beat him behind the wheel of a Méhari with “non-assisted” steering, right?
- And one last question: What do you think of Top Marques; why do you come every year?
Top Marques is THE event for car enthusiasts in the Principality. It has become a must-attend with great success in terms of both participants and the public. Innovation, prestigious brands, atmosphere, luxury – all gathered around a very professional organization. That’s why we are loyal to this wonderful event.
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