The 90th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show, which was supposed to welcome the media starting today and the general public from 5 to 15 March 2020, will now finally not take place. This is an injunction decision of the Federal Council of February 28, 2020 that no events with more than 1,000 people are allowed to take place until March 15, 2020. The decision fell just 3 days before the opening of the exhibition to the media.
The organizers accepted this decision with this statement from Maurice Turrettini, Chairman of the Foundation Board:
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 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 February, 28, 2020. The event is cancelled due to this decision.
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.
Please note: Press release courtesy of the Geneva International Motor Show.
