FRANKFURT – After Friday’s cancellation of the Geneva car show by Swiss authorities to contain the coronavirus outbreak, carmakers scrambled to reshuffle press conferences and presentations.
Over 160 exhibitors were to display their cars and services from March 2nd to 15th at the 90th Geneva Motor Show.
Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz were to use live-streaming and present new concepts. BMW was to display the BMW Concept i4 and Mercedes was keen to exhibition its revamped Mercedes E-Class.
Fiat does not have a Plan B but is looking for methods to display its new electric Fiat 500.
No alternative events are planned by Ferrari.
The French brand DS is seeking a venue close to Paris for the showcase of its new concept car and interviews are being rescheduled via telephone.
Volkswagen’s Audi is seeking out digital channels to launch the Audi A3 Sportback and e-Tron S.
On Friday, Switzerland banned large gatherings with over 1,000 people in attendance to limit the spread of coronavirus.
“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.”
– Maurice Turrettini, Geneva International Motor Show Foundation Board Chairman
In 2019, the Geneva car show saw a footfall of over 660,000 people and the exhibitions generated business worth over 200-250 million Swiss francs.
Those visitors who purchased tickets shall get a refund but the exhibitors will not as it wasn’t Palexpo but the health authorities who called off the event.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.