Geneva Motor Show to go ahead despite coronavirus fears

27 February 2020

UPDATE: Since this article was published, the Geneva International Motor Show has been cancelled and will not take place this year. For the full story, click here

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Organisers have confirmed the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) will go ahead as planned following the coronavirus outbreak.

The decision follows the show organiser’s board meeting with Palexpo, where they re-evaluated the ongoing situation with fresh information from the cantonal health authorities.

While the event is set to start next week, some high-profile executives have already cancelled their attendance. Reuters has reported that the chief executives of both Ferrari and brake manufacturers Brembo will not be at planned press events.

GIMS and Palexpo stated they are keeping abreast of Federal Office of Public Health guidelines, are in contact with local health authorities, and have developed an action plan to put in place if necessary. The organisers have also asked exhibitors from coronavirus-infected areas to screen staff for symptoms before arriving in Switzerland.  

′The organisers encourage exhibitors from at-risk areas to ensure that their staff pass the necessary checks and do not show any symptoms of infection in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Switzerland, so as to avoid any risk of spread,’ a recent statement from the Geneva exhibition centre said.

Medical staff trained to diagnose infectious disease will be on-site, able to organise referrals to a hospital if necessary. Cleaning and disinfection are also being stepped up at the venue prior to the show’s launch.

The schedule for the event will give journalists access to the halls from 2 pm on Monday 2 March. The ′Car of the Year’ award ceremony will take place later in the day at 3 pm in the Congress Centre. The official media day will then begin on Tuesday 3 March, with the VIP day on Wednesday 4 March. Doors will open to the public from Thursday 5 March to Sunday 15 March.

Autovista Group will bring you a preview of the Geneva International Motor Show next week. You can follow our coverage of the event on our Twitter feed – @Autovista­_Group