Although this week we wrote a message of hope about the Geneva Motor Show 2022, less good news is coming from the Swiss city: for the third consecutive year the event was canceled.
According to a spokesperson for the Geneva Motor Show, the entries of the participants they are too few due to the pandemic which does not facilitate the participation of car manufacturers, but also of spectators and journalists, who may encounter difficulties in moving from country to country. In addition, car manufacturers also have to deal with the shortage of chips, serious problem that requires their full attention.
The timing of the message is remarkable. As written above, the CEO of the auto show, Sandro Mesquita, had spoken full of hope on the actual carrying out of the 2022 edition just this week. The much-loved automotive event would have focused entirely on cars and not on mobility as was the case at the IAA in Munich. “Supercars and hypercars” will arrive in Geneva (hopefully) next year, as stated in the note released to the media.
Geneva auto show canceled mainly due to the lack of major brands
It was already clear that there were a number of great absentees. The entire Stellantis group he would not have attended the Swiss event, just like Ford and General Motors. Even major luxury brands of the Volkswagen Group, Bentley and Lamborghini, would not make an appearance. Despite this, according to the organization it should have been a “real car show”, with many important innovations.
Sandro Mesquita, AD Geneva Motor Show
The CEO of the Geneva International Motor Show, Sandro Mesquita, explains “Many exhibitors have indicated that the uncertainties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic make it impossible for them to make a firm commitment to Gims 2022. Add to this the negative impact that the current shortage of semiconductors has on automakers. The chip crisis is likely to continue into next year, with negative financial implications ”for manufacturers. “In these uncertain times – continues Mesquita -, many brands are therefore unable to undertake to participate in a fair that would take place in just over four months. Considering all the factors, it became clear that it was necessary to postpone the event, and announce the news as soon as possible to avoid cancellation in the short term “.
The organizer of the Geneva Motor Show, then retraces his steps, and says that the risk due to the spread of the coronavirus is still too high for such a large indoor event. But, even if not specifically stated, it is clear that even the costs to be borne by the organizer, for an event “for a few close friends” which risks being a flop in terms of attendance by exhibitors and the public, are undoubtedly too high.