Geneva International Motor Show postponed to 2023

The organiser of the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) has announced the event’s cancellation for a second year. Comité permanent du Salon international de l’automobile states that it was “forced to postpone the event to 2023” due to “industry-wide issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Explaining its decision, the organiser says it acted “with the best interests of both car manufacturers and automotive fans in mind,” adding that the direct and indirect issues relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – including travel restrictions and the semiconductor shortage – left it “with no alternative.” Several recent cancellations prompted by these issues led to the final confirmation of the show’s postponement.

Pandemic situation not yet under control

“We have pushed very hard and tried everything to reactivate the Geneva International Motor Show in 2022″, says Maurice Turrettini, president of the Comité permanent du Salon international de l’automobile. “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.”

Sandro Mesquite, chief executive officer of the Geneva International Motor Show, adds: “Many exhibitors have indicated that the uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic make it impossible for them to make a firm commitment for GIMS 2022. On top of this is the negative impact that the current shortage of semiconductors has on car manufacturers. The chip crisis is likely to drag on well into next year, with negative financial implications for OEMs. In these uncertain times, many brands are therefore unable to make a commitment to participate in a trade fair that would have taken place in just over four months. 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 cancelling at short notice.”

Aiming for full potential in 2023

While it has cancelled the show scheduled for February 2022, the organiser reports it will continue to implment steps already taken to evolve the platform, allowing for a “more impactful show” in 2023: “Over the last several months, excitement has been building for the new GIMS platform that promised to engage more people around the world with a digital ecosystem and an overall enhanced experience. OEMs, journalists and the public have been informed that the steps already underway for this platform are continuing in order to take it to its full potential in 2023.”