It’s official now. According to the latest update on the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers’ website, this year’s Geneva Motor Show has been cancelled due to the continued spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.
This is after several confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Geneva and other parts of Switzerland came to light. There has been a substantial outbreak of the coronavirus, which originated in China, in northern Italy recently, with cases announced in a number of other European countries.
On Friday morning, the Swiss government banned large gatherings. In a statement, the cabinet said: “In view of the current situation and the spread of the coronavirus, the Federal Council has categorised the situation in Switzerland as ‘special’ in terms of the Epidemics Act. Large-scale events involving more than 1,000 people are to be banned. The ban comes into immediate effect and will apply at least until 15 March."
The show, which is billed as the biggest in the global automotive calendar, was due to open to press on Tuesday 3 March before opening to the public from 5-15 March. Around 602,000 people attended the show last year.