Oct. 7 (UPI) — The ongoing coronavirus pandemic claimed another global industry event Thursday when organizers announced the Geneva International Motor Show will not be held in February 2022, closing its doors for the third year.
Comité permanent du Salon international de l’automobile, the show’s organizer, blamed “industry-wide issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic” for canceling the 2022 show.
It said the move was in the best interests of fans, the car manufacturers, exhibitors and journalists with ongoing travel restrictions, as well as parts shortages manufacturers are figuring out how to deal with, such as semiconductor chips.
“We have pushed very hard and tried everything to reactivate the Geneva International Motor Show in 2022,” Maurice Turrettini, president of the Comité permanent du Salon international de l’automobile, said in a statement.
“Despite all our efforts, we have to face the facts and the reality: the pandemic situation is not under control and presents itself as a big threat for a large indoor event like GIMS. But we see this decision as a postponement, rather than a cancellation.”
The organization said concerns over the semiconductor chip crisis has forced many automakers to pull back from commitments to participate in the show.
Sandro Mesquita, the CEO of the Geneva International Motor Show, said many exhibits expressed ongoing uncertainties as well.
“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,” Mesquita said in a statement.
The Geneva International Motor Show, one of Europe’s most prestigious and influential auto shows, attracts more than 10,000 journalists and more than 600,000 visitors annually.