(Statement on behalf of Mr. Rajesh Menon, Director General, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), on the postponement of Auto Expo – The Motor Show 2022 due to COVID-19.)
Auto Expo – The Motor Show 2022 is currently scheduled from 2nd – 9th February 2022 at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida. Safety of exhibitors, visitors and all stakeholders involved and present at the Expo is the topmost priority for SIAM.
It is in this context that the Indian automobile industry and SIAM recognises the inherent risks in organising Auto Expo due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and the apprehensions of a possible 3rd Wave. There is uncertainty around how COVID-19 would develop in the coming months and at the same time organising Auto Expo would need a lead time of preferably a year.
Also Auto Expo is like a festival of celebration, for the Indian automobile industry and we look forward to receiving maximum people with no fear of spread of infection. The magnitude of the risk of spread of infection is extremely high in a B2C show like Auto Expo which is visited by large crowds and maintaining social distancing would be difficult. It has therefore been decided to postpone the Auto Expo – The Motor Show for now.
The exact date for the next edition of Auto Expo – The Motor Show would be finalised later this year keeping in view the COVID situation and in alignment with the OICA Calendar of global Auto shows.