The New York Auto Show has officially been delayed, despite repeated assurances the event was going to take place as planned.

In an e-mail, the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association said the “ongoing health concerns from the spread of the coronavirus” have caused them to change course.

As a result, the show is being moved from April to August. As of now, press days are scheduled for August 26th and 27th while the public show will take place between August 28th and September 6th.

Also Read: Organizers Say 2020 New York Auto Show Still On Even As Coronavirus Cases Surge To 22 In NY

Needless to say, that’s a significant delay and one that will likely cause a number of automakers to rethink their unveilings. It’s not immediately clear what will happen, but automakers could follow in the footsteps of Geneva and host a ‘digital auto show.’  They could also opt for smaller invite-only events, but this seems unlikely – at least in the immediate future – as a number of companies are limiting employee travel and GM has cancelled press drives as well as the planned unveiling of the Cadillac Lyriq.

In any case, it’s doubtful the 2020 New York Auto Show will be as large and important as it usually is. Audi, BMW and Mercedes already decided to skip this year’s event and we wouldn’t be surprised if others follow suit now that show has been pushed back several months. It’s also worth mentioning the NYIAS will now take place after the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association said “We are taking this extraordinary step to help protect our attendees, exhibitors and all participants from the coronavirus.” Mark Schienberg added, “For 120 years, ‘the show must go on’ has been heavily embedded in our DNA, and while the decision to move the show dates didn’t come easy, our top priority remains with the health and well-being of all those involved in this historic event.”

The decision to delay the New York Auto Show comes shortly after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed an additional 31 cases of the coronavirus which brings the statewide total up to 173. To combat the spread of CONVID-19, the Governor will deploy the National Guard to the town New Rochelle and force “schools, houses of worship and other large gathering facilities within a one-mile radius” to close until March 25th.