The world’s leading event for transport, logistics and mobility has been cancelled and will not return until 2022.
The IAA Commercial Vehicles show was dues to take place during its usual slot of September but organisers said the health risks of the Covid-19 pandemic and the measures taken to contain it have “fundamentally changed the backdrop” for the event.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has indeed shown the general public very clearly just how essential commercial vehicles are for maintaining public food supplies, but it is having an unprecedented impact on business in the sector and also the IAA,” said the IAA’s organisers, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) in a statement.
“Many countries have travel restrictions that will remain in force for several months to come. Large events have been prohibited over the coming months in nearly all European countries. Given the situation with the corona pandemic, face-to-face meetings can no longer be held at a trade fair and particularly at the IAA.”
“Against this background, the VDA has decided to cancel the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2020 that was to be held in Hannover from September 24 to 30. It was a difficult decision to make. Yet in view of the overall situation in Europe and around the world, we do not see any possibility of holding the IAA this year in its familiar form as a platform for exhibitors and visitors.”
Automechanika Frankfurt has also been postponed until 14 to 18 September 2021.
Show organisers Messe Frankfurt said in its own statement that it “simply would not have been possible” for many of the exhibitors and visitors from over 180 countries to take part in the event under the conditions currently prevailing or those expected at that time.
The event is expected to resume its biennial rotation.
“Our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of everyone – exhibitors and visitors alike – taking part in the event,” said Detlef Braun, member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt. “With waves of the pandemic moving around the globe and many countries not expecting it to peak until the summer, I am certain that the decision to postpone Automechanika until September 2021 is the right one.
“Over the past two weeks in particular, we have been engaged in intensive discussions with our customers, partners and supporting associations, and they sent us a clear signal. By holding the event in 2021, we are responding to our customers’ wishes.”
Despite the news, Automechanika Dubai is currently still scheduled to return on in October following an announcement last month that explained it had been delayed from its original dates of 7-9 June 2020.
