Following the abrupt cancellation of this year’s Geneva Motor Show due to the coronavirus pandemic, it appears increasingly likely that the 2021 edition of the event will not happen either.
In a recently issued statement, the Foundation of the Geneva International Motor Show states that in the wake of this year’s cancellation, it asked the Canton of Geneva for financial support to cover the losses, estimated at 11 million francs ($11.3 million), and prepare for the next event.
The Geneva State Council proposed a grant of 16.8 million francs ($17.3 million) but that has been knocked back by the Foundation of the Geneva International Motor Show, which says the imposed conditions are contradictory to the statutes of the Foundation.
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“Unfortunately, the conditions attached to the loan, which, in particular, aim to completely outsource the show including its conceptualization to Palexpo SA, are not acceptable to the Foundation. In fact, they are in contradiction to the statutes and especially to the purpose of the foundation formulated more than 100 years ago,” a statement reads.
The Foundation adds there was a stipulation in the loan that the Geneva Motor Show must be held in 2021 but this remains uncertain. GIMS says major exhibitors have encouraged it to instead plan the next edition for 2022.
The Foundation added that it is continuing efforts “to restore financial stability as quickly as possible… to be able to organize a follow-up edition.” Given the recent cancellation of the 2020 New York Auto Show, which had been re-scheduled for August, this probably indicates that we won’t be attending auto shows too soon, at least not this year.
