Scheduled for next October, the World Motor Show should not open its doors, an epidemic requires ... At least, not in its usual form. In a press release, the organizers of the event explain changing their rifle to adapt to the economic situation. “ In view of the seriousness of the unprecedented health crisis in which the automotive sector, hit hard by the economic shock wave, plays its survival today, we are forced to announce that we will not be in able to maintain in its current form the Paris Motor Show at the Porte de Versailles for its 2020 edition ”.
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More specifically, some parts of the show, such as " Movin'On, Smart City and off-the-wall events ", have been maintained for the time being. In addition, the organizers indicate that they are studying " all the alternative solutions in close relationship with [their] main partners ", in order to find a solution. " This crisis must teach us to be agile, creative and more innovative than ever ," they add. Other information will be delivered " in real time, as and when decisions are taken ." " For the time being, our thoughts go out to all those affected by the pandemic, to our health personnel, but also to our customers, " the press release concluded.
This is another blow to the auto industry, which has been hit hard by the epidemic for several weeks. However, the Paris salon was not the only one to have been forced to reorganize itself: the coronavirus epidemic caused the cancellation of the Geneva salon, whose opening was expected on March 3. This decision forced manufacturers to use digital means of communication to present their latest models.
A few days ago, Luc Chatel, head of the PFA automotive platform, stressed that this sector was going through a crisis " of exceptional magnitude ". The overall cost of the crisis is expected to be in the billions of euros. " The automotive industry is developing very strict business maintenance and recovery protocols to preserve the health of its employees and ensure the restart of our factories, " said earlier Monday the boss of the group which brings together manufacturers in the sector.