Geneva motor show cancelled over coronavirus fears

A new ban on gatherings of more than 1000 people in Switzerland forces cancellation of Geneva motor show.

Workers begin dismantling stands at the Geneva International Motor Show, which has been cancelled after Switzerland banned large gatherings.

The Geneva motor show has been cancelled due to the coronavirus just days before it was due to open.

The Swiss authorities forced the move after instituting a ban on gatherings of more than 1000 people as a precaution against spread of the disease.

Thirteen people have been diagnosed in Switzerland after an initial case early this week and the measure will hit a range of other events, such as soccer matches, as well.

A man wearing a mask stand near a car on February 28, 2020 at the Geneva International Motor Show which has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

With the show due to open on March 5, organizers made the announcement late last night Australian time.

“We regret this situation, but the health of all participants is our and our exhibitors’ top priority,” said chairman Maurice Turrettini.

The Geneva International Motor Show, a major event on the auto industry calendar, has been cancelled. Picture: AFP

“This is a case of force majeure and a tremendous loss for the manufacturers who have invested massively in their presence in Geneva.”

It leaves 160 exhibitors scrambling to reorganise car debuts, with BMW and Mercedes among those now committed to streaming press conferences online. Audi and Citroen are also working on alternative arrangements.

The Geneva show is regarded as the premiere event on the automotive calendar and the one most likely to survive the global trend against traditional motor shows.

Last year 660,000 people flocked to the show and its closure is estimated to cost about A$400 million in lost business for the region.