• by Tanya Gazdik , February 28, 2020

Automakers who planned to reveal new models at the Geneva International Motor Show must now make other plans due to the show's cancellation because of concern over the spread of coronavirus. 

Switzerland's Federal Office of Public Health is banning gatherings of more than 1,000 people through at least March 15 in hopes of restricting the spread of the virus.

"We regret this situation, but the health of all participants is our and our exhibitors' top priority," the car show's organizers said in a statement.

Media events, including vehicle reveals, were set to begin March 2 at what is often the biggest and most extravagant auto show of the year. The public would have been able to attend from March 5 through March 15.

New vehicles were expected from Audi, Bentley, Fiat, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen and Volvo. It's possible some of the Geneva reveals will move to the New York auto show.

With just under six weeks to go before the 2020 New York International Auto Show's press preview days, the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association said it is moving forward with plans to open the show as scheduled. 

“We are in communication with state and local officials and the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and, at this point, there are no plans to cancel any shows at the facility,” the group said in a statement. “The Javits Center is taking precautionary measures inside the venue to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, and the New York Auto Show will follow its lead to protect exhibitors and attendees.”  

Media reveals in New York are scheduled for April 7-9 and the show opens to the public April 10-19.

The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association extended “its deepest regrets to the organizers of the Geneva International Motor Show. As a small family of global auto shows, our thoughts remain with the Swiss organizers. We are equally compassionate for the world's automakers who have been impacted by this unforeseen set of circumstances.”