Virus forces marques to launch models online

More than 160 exhibitors were preparing to show off their cars and services at the Geneva Motor Show this week but are now having to come up with alternative solutions.

Organisers have cancelled the event, which was due to start today and run until March 15, after the Swiss government banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people because of the coronavirus outbreak.

A spokesman for the Palexpo show venue says the event will not be held at a later date. “The show cannot be postponed,” he adds. “It's not possible. It's too big. It's not feasible.”

A number of carmakers, including BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz, will now be using live streaming to showcase their latest products and innovations.

Ferrari says it does not plan to arrange alternative events, and Fiat Chrysler is exploring ways to promote a new electric Fiat 500, reports Reuters.

"We regret this situation, but the health of all participants is our and our exhibitors' top priority,” says Maurice Turrettini, chairman of the show's foundation board. “This is a case of force majeure and a tremendous loss for the manufacturers who have invested massively in their presence in Geneva. However, we are convinced that they will understand this decision.”

Last year 660,000 people attended the Geneva show. Visitors who bought tickets will be refunded, although exhibitors who face “significant” financial impacts will not because it was the health authorities, rather than organisers Palexpo, who called off the event.