Geneva International Motor Show has canceled it 2020 show like Mobile World Conference and Facebook’s F8, until after this year The Swiss government has actively banned public gatherings of more than 1,000 people to take effect immediately until March 15th, according to Swissinfo.ch.
The Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) has also started emailing manufacturers to give them the news, according to the Follwoing a BBC’s Theo Leggett report,
MORE FROM RAVZGADGET: Tesla And Panasonic Have Cancelled Partnership Deal On Solar Cells
The news is most disappointing not just for the show itself but the automobile manufacturers at large. The Geneva International Motor Show is one of the largest car shows in the world, so automakers have spent an enormous amount of time and money preparing new model launch for this year’s edition.
The show gives auto companies the opportunity to showcase new and wild concepts. This year, we looked forward to seeing BMW’s new i4 concept, the Hyundai Prophecy concept, Polestar’s Precept and other futuristic vehicles.
Although, the Geneva International Motor Show promoter Palexpo had been saying that the show would go on with increased cleaning and disinfection, along with warnings to staff to keep away from anyone who appeared to be sick till today.
Now, the organization is saying that the show is definitively canceled and will not be held at a later time. However, exhibitors could still run virtual press conferences like Sony did for its latest Xperia phones.
“The financial consequences for all those involved in the event are significant and will need to be assessed over the coming weeks,” the organization wrote in a press release. “One thing is certain: tickets already purchased for the event will be refunded.”
MORE FROM RAVZGADGET: Ford Is Hoping You’ll Trade Some Privacy For Discounted Car Insurance
The news also hit hard on the city of Geneva financially, exhibitors and the press aren’t left out too. Switzerland’s federal authority said safety of the people is bigger than any monetary target. As we report this today, about 15 people in the Switzerland were infected with the Coronavirus and around 100 are in quarantine.
“We have categorized the situation in Switzerland as ‘special’ in terms of the Epidemics Act,” the government said in a statement. “The Federal Council’s top priority is to protect the population.”
