Geneva Motor Show 2020 is Cancelled!

For those of you that are planning on attending the 2020 Geneva Motor Show (GIMS) it has been cancelled due to the Corona Virus threat. I wonder how manufacturers will roll out their business now?

Source: https://www.gims.swiss/geneva-international-motor-show-cancelled

 

The 90th edition of the GIMS, which was supposed to welcome the media from next Monday and the general public from 5 to 15 March 2020, will now finally not take place. This is an injonction decision of the Federal Council of 28 February 2020 that no events with more than 1,000 people are allowed to take place until 15 March 2020. The decision falls 3 days before the opening of the exhibition to the media.

 

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," said Maurice Turrettini, Chairman of the Foundation Board. We would like to warmly thank all those involved in the organisation of the 2020 edition of GIMS.

 

A few days before the opening of the event, the construction of the stands was very nearly complete. A week ago, during the press conferences announcing the 2020 edition, there was nothing to suggest that such a measure was necessary. The situation changed with the appearance of the first confirmed coronavirus diseases in Switzerland and the injonction of the Federal Council on 28.02.2020. The event is cancelled due to this decision.

 

In the meantime, the dismantling of the event will now have to be organised. The financial consequences for all those involved in the event are significant and will need to be assessed over the coming weeks. 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.

 

 

Palexpo, 28 February 2020

I am not surprised. It is the right and responsible thing to do. I was planning to go but decided in early January to defer my annual pilgrimage. Then heard Lambo was out. The crazy part is the logistics and costs that so many of these manufacturers have incurred that will go poof. This is particularly hard for small ones, one of whom is my friend. They are scrambling to final an alternative way to introduce their creation. 
 

‘’the big question is, will other show, including Car Week be subject to the same decision. We will know in the next month or two—I suspect we will be dealing with COVID19 for most of this year. 

35 minutes ago, DoctaM3 said:

I am not surprised. It is the right and responsible thing to do. I was planning to go but decided in early January to defer my annual pilgrimage. Then heard Lambo was out. The crazy part is the logistics and costs that so many of these manufacturers have incurred that will go poof. This is particularly hard for small ones, one of whom is my friend. They are scrambling to final an alternative way to introduce their creation. 
 

‘’the big question is, will other show, including Car Week be subject to the same decision. We will know in the next month or two—I suspect we will be dealing with COVID19 for most of this year. 

I don't disagree, however I would hope and suspect the media may be somewhat more helpful with publishing releases and new products for smaller companies considering the circumstances.

8 hours ago, DoctaM3 said:

I am not surprised. It is the right and responsible thing to do. I was planning to go but decided in early January to defer my annual pilgrimage. Then heard Lambo was out. The crazy part is the logistics and costs that so many of these manufacturers have incurred that will go poof. This is particularly hard for small ones, one of whom is my friend. They are scrambling to final an alternative way to introduce their creation. 
 

‘’the big question is, will other show, including Car Week be subject to the same decision. We will know in the next month or two—I suspect we will be dealing with COVID19 for most of this year. 

That was my thought, this ties up a gazillion dollars for involved parties that isn't just recouped.  Anyone who's done any kind of serious industry trade shows knows what a f-ing shakedown it is.  $100k is nothing for small time stuff, and the big guys are no doubt losing 7 figures on this.  GM won't care but for the smaller guys it's a hard pill to swallow.

4 hours ago, emanon said:

That was my thought, this ties up a gazillion dollars for involved parties that isn't just recouped.  Anyone who's done any kind of serious industry trade shows knows what a f-ing shakedown it is.  $100k is nothing for small time stuff, and the big guys are no doubt losing 7 figures on this.  GM won't care but for the smaller guys it's a hard pill to swallow.

I speculated that the big shows are going away at some point. I'd wager they'll go to smaller boutique showings. Lamborghini seems to be headed that way, i'm wondering if this will be a catalyst for it. 

11 hours ago, Destructo said:

I speculated that the big shows are going away at some point. I'd wager they'll go to smaller boutique showings. Lamborghini seems to be headed that way, i'm wondering if this will be a catalyst for it. 

I agree and to some extent this is better for prospective buyers & enthusiasts the smaller intimate settings is better.