Geneva Motor Show called off once again

KUALA LUMPUR: The auto industry was hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak and its far-reaching consequences are still not over. The recently observed impact is the cancellation of the Geneva International Motor Show for the third year in a row. It seems like the GIMS and COVID-19 are a match made in hell. 

In May this year, the organizers announced the annual event will be held in 2022 after a hiatus of two years. But, now they reported the cancellation of the show that was slated to happen between February 19 and February 27, 2022, due to the ongoing pandemic and the associated travel restriction for exhibitors, visitors, and journalists.

Another issue that led to the Geneva Motor Show cancellation is the global semiconductor shortage, which automakers need to solve first. 

The CEO of the Geneva International Motor Show, Sandro Mesquita, states: "Many exhibitors have indicated that the uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic make it impossible for them to make a firm commitment for GIMS 2022. On top of this is the negative impact that the current shortage of semiconductors has on car manufacturers. The chip crisis is likely to drag on well into next year, with negative financial implications for OEMs.”

“In these uncertain times, many brands are therefore unable to make a commitment to participate in a trade fair that would have taken place in just over four months. When considering all the factors, it became clear that it was necessary to postpone the show, and to announce the news sooner than later to avoid canceling at short notice,” he added.

So, now when the February 2022 event is called off, the organizers are set to evolve the GIMS platform rigorously for a more impactful show in 2023.

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