Due to ongoing COIVD-19 pandemic situations and associated travel restrictions, the organizers of the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) have decided to postpone the 91st edition of the Swiss auto show for a third consecutive year. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held from February 19-27, 2022. The organizers have also attributed the global semiconductor shortages to the cancellation of GIMS 2022.
Commenting on the cancelation of the auto show, the CEO of the GIMS, Sandro Mesquita, said –
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.
While there is no surprise that the auto show is not happening this year, but the organisers of GIMS have asserted that they will continue to work on the new GIMS platform that promised to engage more people around the world with a digital ecosystem and an overall enhanced experience. It is said to be ready by 2023.
In other news, the 2022 edition of the India Auto Expo has also been postponed, which was to be held between February 2-9, 2022. The new dates for the motor show would be finalized later this year.
