Geneva Motor Show postponed until 2023
Organizers of the Geneva Motor Show to hold a more impactful event in 2023
If there's one thing we miss, it's motor shows. But ever since the pandemic began, these events were one of the first affected. Last February 2020, the organizers of the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) canceled the event just days before the opening. This forced automakers to take their big reveals online.
As more countries begin adjusting to the pandemic, some event organizers have started to hold motor shows once more. From the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), the Shanghai Auto Show Show, and even the International Motor Show Germany (IAA), it seems we'll be seeing more motoring-related events again. However, that won't be the case for the annual GIMS.
In a recent announcement, the organizer of the annual motor show said that they have decided to postpone the event until 2023 due to the ongoing pandemic. While this means the February 2022 edition of the motor show is effectively canceled, they have already taken steps to hold a more impactful show come 2023.
While the move may be seen as a precaution due to the unpredictable nature of the virus, the organizer also mentioned other issues that resulted in the event's postponement. These include current travel restrictions and car companies facing more pressing matters like the global chip shortage.
“The decision to cancel GIMS 2022 was made with the best interests of both car manufacturers and automotive fans in mind. The direct and indirect issues relating to the ongoing pandemic left the organizers with no alternative. On the one hand, direct issues of the pandemic include continued travel restrictions for international exhibitors, visitors, and journalists. On the other hand, indirect issues of the pandemic, such as the semiconductor shortage, have presented car manufacturers with new priorities that they need to solve first,” said the organizer.
Maurice Turrentini, president of the Comite permanent du Salon International de l'automoible, said that despite the setback for next year's event, he is confident that the Geneva International Motor Show will come back stronger than ever.
“We have pushed very hard and tried everything to reactivate the Geneva International Motor Show in 2022. 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. I am confident that the Geneva International Motor Show will come back stronger than ever in 2023,” shared Turrentini.
While it's sad that there will be no Geneva International Motor Show next year, it's nice to see that the organizers are taking the pandemic and chip shortage issues seriously. Hopefully, they will be able to come up with a more exciting show for 2023.
If you're looking forward to attending any local motor shows, both the Trans Sport Show and the Manila Auto Salon are set to return this November. The event will run from November 11 to 14, 2021, and is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It will be held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
