The coronavirus has claimed yet another victim, and this time it’s the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), originally scheduled to begin early next month.
Due to the evolving situation of the COVID-19 virus, Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA) – organisers of the NYIAS – has announced that the 12-day motor show has been postponed until August, according to a statement.
The move comes just a few weeks after the cancellation of the 90th Geneva Motor Show, originally scheduled for last week.
GNYADA president, Mark Schienberg said in the statement, “We are taking this extraordinary step to help protect our attendees, exhibitors and all participants from the coronavirus.”
The NYIAS was only ever cancelled for two years during the World War 2, in its 120-year history. Two weeks ago, NYIAS announced that the show will go on as scheduled.
However, the New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency just one week later, therefore taking the control out of GYNADA’s hands.
The postponement of the NYIAS comes at a precarious time for the automotive industry, as the coronavirus continue to plague supply chain operations due to lockdowns and quarantine measures.
In the first 16 days of February, car sales in China plunged as much as 92%, forcing carmakers to explore alternative methods of sales.
Following the cancellation of the Geneva motor show, many carmakers turned to online live streams for the debut of their new cars. It is expected that the larger car reveals originally scheduled for the NYIAS will also follow suit.
