2020 Geneva motor show cancelled
Industry's largest shindig succumbs to coronavirus threat as Switzerland bans large-scale meetings
The 2020 Geneva motor show has become the last victim of Covid-19 as the coronavirus continues to spread through Europe. At an extraordinary meeting of the Swiss Federal Council, held today, the decision was taken to ban all large-scale events involving more than 1,000 people with immediate effect. The moratorium will remain in place until at least March 15th, which would have been the final day of the show, due to get underway next week.
A statement released by the seven-member executive group which governs Switzerland announced: "The Federal Council's top priority is to protect the population. It is responding to the latest developments in the coronavirus epidemic and has categorised the situation in Switzerland as 'special' in terms of the Epidemics Act ... The Federal Council is banning public and private events in Switzerland at which more than 1,000 people would gather. This ban on events comes into immediate effect and will apply at least until 15 March."
In response, the organisers of the Palexpo event said in an official statement: "We regret to announce the 2020 Geneva motor show will be cancelled. This is force majeure"
Despite a waning interest in the traditional motor show format, Geneva remains one of the most significant dates on the automotive calendar. This year alone it was due to host the debuts of a slew of new models, from Volkswagen's latest Golf GTI to Bentley's highly-exclusive Bacalar, and a Pininfarina anniversary special to a mysterious performance Alfa. As for how manufacturers will now choose to share their announcements with the public instead, we'll have to wait and see.
Safety is, of course, the top priority. And although the decision has ultimately been taken out of the organisers' hands - a series of special preventative measures had previously been announced - the Geneva show attracts nearly 600,000 visitors from around the world, vastly increasing the potential for the virus to spread. Cancelling the event may cause a headache for organisers, exhibitors and attendees alike, but with the likes of the Six Nations and Italian Football Federation already either postponing fixtures or holding them behind closed doors, it had already begun to look increasingly inevitable.
We'll be sure to bring you more information as and when it becomes available.
"Despite a waning interest in the traditional motor show format..." - strangely, I just saw an advert yesterday for the return of the British Motorshow this year. I also attend some regional shows which are manufacturer supported and they are always absolutely ram packed.
If anything, I think we are moving towards a more 'Apple Keynote' style launch of automotive products, with the event being streamed live and in a conference hall setting. Tesla do it, Audi and Porsche have both started doing it, as have many others.
I'd quite like that - being able to be part of the exclusive press showcases from the comfort of my smart TV.
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