Though there are currently no coronavirus-infected patients at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, the New York International Auto Show has been cancelled because the government has opted to have the field hospital remain available for use through the summer should hospitals become overwhelmed with patients.
“Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have worked closely with the Governor’s office and with Javits officials to protect our attendees,” said Mark Schienberg, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, the organization that owns and operates the New York Auto Show. “We are extremely proud of the role the Javits Center has played during this difficult time, and we understand the need for it to remain ready to serve.”
The show was originally slated to occur in early April, but was postponed until late August as the city took the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.
The organizers of the New York International Auto Show have decided the next show will take place April 2 – 11, 2021.
“We also understand the immense planning needed for the automakers and their exhibit partners to construct a show of this magnitude,” Scheinberg said. “Because of the uncertainty caused by the virus, we feel it would not be prudent to continue with the 2020 Show and instead are preparing for an even greater 2021.”
The show not only has a $330 million economic benefit, but serves as a global showcase for automakers often serving as one of the prime shows on the automotive calendar. Its influential spot on the list means that it traditionally serves as a venue for numerous product debuts and executive interviews.
It is immediately clear if some automakers will choose to debut their products in smaller settings or if they will push those debuts further down the auto show calendar. The next major U.S. auto show is the L.A. Auto Show in November.
