In a bid to contain coronavirus ( COVID – 19) Swiss authorities announced the cancellation of the Geneva car show on Friday. The announcement propelled the car makers scramble to reorganise press conferences and vehicle presentations.
Switzerland on Friday banned large events that is expected to draw more than 1,000 people to try to curb a coronavirus outbreak that has spread from China across the world.
Maurice Turrettini, Chairman of the Geneva International Motor Show Foundation Board said “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.”
Over 160 exhibitors were scheduled to showcase their masterpiece and services at Motor Show, which was due to start on Monday and last until March 15.
According to Reuters BMW and Mercedes-Benz will live -stream to present the BMW Concept i4 and a revamped Mercedes E-Class respectively.
Fiat Chrysler did not have plan B, but it is looking into ways to show off a new electric Fiat 500.
French brand DS speaking to the news agency said it was seeking a venue near Paris to showcase a new concept car and was rescheduling interviews with executives by telephone.
Audi is planning to use digital channels to launch its Audi A3 sportback and Audi e-Tron S.
The news agency notes that last year 660,000 people attended the Geneva show and the exhibition generated an estimated 200-250 million Swiss francs ($205-$256 million) worth of business.