The coronavirus has already made its way to Europe causing panic in Italy and forcing many to cancel unnecessary travel. On automotive media Facebook groups, a number of journalists had expressed concern days ago about the ongoing crisis once manufacturers announced that they would only be sending minimal staff to the event. Those concerns were laid to rest this morning when Maurice Turrttini, Chairman of the Geneva International Auto Show (GIMS) announced that due to a government ban on all events hosting more than 1,000 people until March 15th.
Below is the statement from the organisers:
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 in conjunction with 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, we would like to warmly thank all those involved in the organization of the 2020 edition of GIMS.
Maurice Turrettini, Chairman of the Foundation Board.
In the meantime, the dismantling of the event will now have to be organized. 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 organizers will communicate about this as soon as possible, via their website: https://www.gims.swiss/.
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