Geneva Motor Show cancelled: Coronavirus

The Geneva International Motor Show in March has been cancelled following a Swiss government ban on gatherings of 1000 people or more due to coronavirus (Covid-19) concerns.

A variety of EVs – including the BMW i4 – were due to be unveiled around the media days, March 3 and 4, with the show supposed to open to the public from March 5-15.

Now the EVs are likely to be revealed online.

The ban applies until March 15, show organisers saying they regret the situation but the health of participants and exhibitors is top priority.

Foundation board chairman Maurice Turrettini says while it’s a “tremendous loss” for manufacturers who have invested heavily in their Geneva show presence the board is sure they will understand the decision.

Turrettini says a week ago nothing suggested such a measure was necessary, but the situation changed with the first confirmed coronavirus cases in Switzerland.

“The financial consequences for all those involved in the event are significant and will need to be assessed over the coming weeks,” he says.

Tickets bought for the event will be refunded.

The BMW Group says it will continue with the BMW i4 concept’s world premiere on March 3 but via livestreaming.

Audi has released information and photos of its e-tron S which was to debut at the Geneva show.

The brand is not greatly affected by the cancellation as there are a number of shows throughout the year, “so all is not lost”, Audi New Zealand general manager Dean Sheed says from Germany where he is visiting the Audi factory.

It’s a similar story with Renault for its Twingo ZE electric car, with further details coming on more of its electric ambitions.

Fiat-Chrysler was also about to unveil its new Fiat 500e EV and but is working out ways to do that, Electrek reports.