The show was the first motor show in the world, started in 1898 by industry pioneer, Albert de Dion. The show takes place in Paris Expo in Porte de Versailles.

The Mondial is scheduled by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, which considers it a major international auto show. Until 1986 it was called Salon de l'Auto. It took the name Mondial de l'Automobile in 1988.