Coronavirus (Covid-19) shuts down 2020 Geneva Motor Show

MANILA: The vehicles have been polished, the media invites sent, and press materials released. But because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the show will not go on.

Organizers of the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) have announced that the event has been officially cancelled as COVID-19 has now infected a large number of people in Italy and threatens other major cities in Europe.

The 90th edition of the GIMS was supposed to welcome the media from today and the general public from  March 5 to 15, but with the appearance of the first confirmed coronavirus disease in Switzerland, a decision was made by the Federal Council last February 28 that no events with more than 1,000 people are allowed to take place until March 15 of this year.

The organizers accept this decision: "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 organization of the 2020 edition of GIMS," said Maurice Turrettini, chairman of the foundation board.

Now begins the heavy burden of dismantling the installations and assessment of the financial consequences of cancelling the event. 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/.

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