Geneva car show cancelled in bid to contain coronavirus outbreak

One of the auto industry’s marquee events fell victim to the coronavirus epidemic, with organizers of the Geneva International Motor Show pulling the plug as the outbreak spreads in Europe.

The trade fair, which was due to start Monday, will return next year, Palexpo SA, which runs the Geneva convention center, said Friday in a video briefing to exhibitors. Swiss authorities earlier in the day banned big events on health concerns. The virus reached Switzerland this week and neighboring Italy reported hundreds of cases.

The expo is among the automotive sector’s glitziest, with a high proportion of luxury and sports models on