2022 Geneva International Motor Show cancelled for third straight year

For the third year in a row, the Geneva Motor Show will not be going ahead, with organisers confirming they are cancelling the 2022 edition due to COVID-19.

After the 2020 and 2021 shows were postponed because of the worldwide crisis, next year's GIMS was slated to run across February 19-27. However it has since been canned as the industry is dealing with "direct and indirect issues relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic."

While the primary reason for its cancellation has been put down to ensuring the safety of patrons, journalists and industry figures, the ongoing semiconductor crisis is also a major factor in the postponement of the 2022 show – as a majority of manufacturers face an unprecedented supply shortage.

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Maurice Turrettini, President of the Comité permanent du Salon international de l'automobile which organises the show, said the nature of the event made it a threat to those involved, leaving organisers with no choice but to postpone.

"We have pushed very hard and tried everything to reactivate the Geneva International Motor Show in 2022", said Turrettini.

"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."

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GIMS CEO Sandro Mesquita said the semiconductor shortage may cause future problems for the prestigious show, potentially extending through to 2023.

"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," said Mesquita.

"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.”

The GIMS announced in August it would begin to host a sister event in Doha, Qatar, from 2022, although it is not yet known whether this will also be affected by the ongoing pandemic and stock shortage.