The 2020 Geneva Motor Show has been cancelled by the organizers just days before it was due to start because of the coronavirus outbreak in Europe.
The Swiss government has banned all gatherings of 1000 people or more until at least March 15, 2020 because of an outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus is nearby northern Italy.
The Geneva Auto Show was scheduled to have its media days from March 3, and be open to the public from March 5 to 15.
“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,” Maurice Turrettini, chairman of the Geneva show’s organizing committee, said.
Construction of the stands for this year’s show was nearly complete, and they will now need to be dismantled. Compensation and other arrangements for exhibitors has yet to be finalized.
“One thing is certain: tickets already purchased for the event will be refunded. The organisers will communicate about this as soon as possible, via their website: https://www.gims.swiss/,” the organizing committee said.
