Geneva Motor Show cancellation imminent after Switzerland bans large-scale events

Geneva International Motor Show, scheduled to take place in Geneva on March 5-15, is one of the most important annual events in the automotive industry. This year, however, it’s very likely to be cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. 

On Friday, Switzerland’s Federal Council banned large-scale events, defined as “events involving more than 1000 people.” The ban is effective immediately and it applies “at least until March 15.”

Geneva Motor Show being a massive event, with more than 690,000 people in attendance in 2017 and 660,000 in 2018, it definitely falls into this criteria. We’ve reached out to the show’s organizers and will update this article when we hear back.

“The Federal Council is aware that this measure will have a significant impact on public life in Switzerland. However, the move is expected to provide effective protection to people in Switzerland and to public health. It should prevent or delay the spread of the disease in Switzerland, thus reducing its momentum,” the Federal Council said in a statement. 

Geneva Motor Show’s likely cancellation follows that of Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, which was due in late February but was cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.

This story is developing…