To this author, the cancellation of the 90th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) was something (almost) expected but wished wasn’t the case. The global outbreak of the coronavirus strain known as COVID-19 – which has been traced to Wuhan, China – has spread to other Asian countries, North America and Europe, including Switzerland. Additionally, a small concentration of the virus has appeared in northern Italy, which is only an hour’s drive from Geneva and a major cause for concern.
The Swiss Federal Council says it 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.” The GIMS will not be rescheduled.
"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," said Maurice Turrettini, Chairman of the Foundation Board.
This decision must come as a real blow to not just the organisers but also manufacturers, journalists and the hundreds of thousands of attendees. In 2019, the motor show attracted some 600,000 people from all over the world and so it isn’t hard to see the organisers logic when it comes to cancelling the prestigious event.
According to a report by The Guardian, GIMS event director, Oliver Rihs, said the cancellation could cost the Genevan economy up to €250m (AU$424m) in lost revenue from spending. The organisers of the exhibition itself are said to lose about €2m (AU$3.4m) even though the carmakers’ fees to exhibit are non-refundable.
However, even before the show’s organisers decided to can the event, many automakers including Volvo, Subaru, Peugeot, Opel, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Land Rover, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Ford and Citroen have already pulled out from the show. While it isn’t uncommon for manufacturers to do so, ever-escalating costs and declining market influence are leading automakers away from shows and stands, and in to web unveilings and other digital platforms.
For example, BMW, who were slated to present its “four new plug-in hybrid models for the premium mid-range” including the Concept i4 – will now debut the cars via digital press conference with Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management BMW AG.
Elsewhere, it was announced that the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix – scheduled for April 17-19 – would be postponed amid continued health concerns. However, the sport’s organisers are going ahead with Vietnam’s first-ever Formula One Grand Prix as planned on April 5th despite concerns about the epidemic. That said, Australian Grand Prix organisers are going ahead with the season-opener in Albert Park.
Stay tuned for more updates.
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