THE Geneva Motor Show – one of the highlights of the global automotive calendar – has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak just three days before it was due to open to the media.
It follows a decision by the Swiss government that no events with more than 1000 people are allowed to take place until March 15 after the country recorded its first confirmed cases of the disease.
Show boss Maurice Turrettini said: “We regret this situation, but the health of all participants is our and our exhibitors’ top priority.
“This is a case of force majeure and a tremendous loss for the manufacturers who have invested massively in their presence in Geneva. However, we are convinced that they will understand this decision.
“We would like to warmly thank all those involved in the organisation of the 2020 edition of the Geneva International Motor Show.”
The annual event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors was due to be open to the public from March 5 to 15 and tickets already purchased for it will be refunded.
With just a few days to go before it started, construction of the stands was almost complete – so the dismantling of the event will now have to be organised.
A week ago, during the press conferences announcing what would have been the 90th show, there was nothing to suggest that such a cancellation would be necessary.
The knock-on financial costs for all those involved in the event are likely to be significant and will doubtless be assessed over the coming weeks.
