THE SPECTRUM OF CORONAVIRUS ATTENDS THE AUTO SHOW

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the Geneva Motor Show will have to contend this year with the prudential measures put in place to deal with the coronavirus epidemic. Despite the defection of large groups such as Ford, Opel, Citroën and Peugeot, the number of exhibitors is increasing. The indoor circuit dedicated to alternative propulsion will be the big novelty of this 90th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show (Gims).

“The organization was more complicated due to the coronavirus epidemic. But I can confirm it to you, the Gims will indeed be held, ”assured President Maurice Turrettini. This 90th edition should be launched in the presence of Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin. Up to 600,000 visitors are expected at Palexpo between March 5 and March 15.

The 2020 edition will welcome 150 exhibitors, more than the hundred from the previous edition, representing 75% of the market in Switzerland, specify the organizers. So far, 90 premieres (150 in 2019) have been announced for this fair, which will span nearly 59,000 square meters. Among these exclusives, the Hispano-Swiss brand Hispano Suiza will present its Carmen Boulogne model.

The Chinese manufacturers Changan Automobile and the Hong Kong Apex (buggies) will make the trip for the first time, despite the epidemic in China.

The organizers of another Geneva fair, that of inventions, announced Monday their decision to cancel the 2020 edition following the spread of the coronavirus, the toll of which is approaching 1,900 dead. The Mobile World Congress in Barcelona was forced to make the same decision.

Cleaning and disinfection

The Gims, of which 1% of the visitors come from the Asian continent, does not abdicate, but will emphasize safety. "We see that there are a lot of concerns related to the coronavirus infection," said Marianne Gyger, public relations manager of the Salon.

In an attempt to allay these fears, Palexpo has put in place various security measures, such as an infrastructure “cleaning and disinfection program”, staff training and signage calling participants on hygiene recommendations.

The 456-meter internal circuit will be the main innovation of this Gims cuvée 2020. "A long straight track (will be fitted out) to test the acceleration but also turns to see how these vehicles behave," explained Olivier Rihs, the director . The Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) is the partner of Gims for this animation and will ensure its operation. Registrations will be made through the GIMS mobile application.

Like many shows, the Gims is facing a drop in attendance and must reinvent itself to always attract crowds. In 2019, the number of visitors decreased by 9% to 602,000 people, while the organizers expected 650,000-700,000 visitors. Some manufacturers also decide to do without shows, for various reasons, such as Ford, Opel, Citroën and Peugeot for the Gims in 2020.

As usual, the Show will be preceded by the ceremony which will crown the car of the year, on March 2 at 3 p.m. The organizers announce the holding of 68 conferences during the press days of 3-4 March. A "VIP Day" will be set up for the first time on March 4, with the presence of Formula E (electric car championship) personalities, including Swiss drivers. (ats / nxp)