The 2020 Geneva Motor Show was officially canceled on Friday, following an order from the Swiss government banning events of 1,000 people or more. "Large-scale events involving more than 1,000 people are to be banned," according to an official statement, and this edict remains in effect until March 15.

a car is lined up in a parking lot full of cars: A look at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow © Provided by Roadshow A look at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow

The cancellation comes amid growing concerns regarding the spread of the coronavirus , and the Swiss government confirms as much. "In view of the current situation and the spread of the coronavirus, the federal council has categorized the situation in Switzerland as 'special' in terms of the Epidemics Act," the Swiss government said.

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"We regret to announce the 2020 Geneva Motor Show will be canceled," a spokesperson for the event said in a press conference Friday. "The situation changed with the appearance of the first confirmed coronavirus diseases in Switzerland and the injunction of the Federal Council on Feb. 28. The event is canceled due to this decision," according to a statement.

The show will not be rescheduled, with organizers saying the event is "too big to postpone." The show was originally expected to kick off next week, with the first press day taking place on Tuesday, March 3.

"We regret this situation, but the health of all participants is our and our exhibitors' top priority. This is a case of force majeure and a tremendous loss for the manufacturers who have invested massively in their presence in Geneva. However, we are convinced that they will understand this decision," Maurice Turrettini, chairman of the Geneva Motor Show foundation board, said in a statement.

a car is lined up in a parking lot full of cars: A look at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. © Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow

A look at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

A number of big-deal debuts were planned for the Geneva Motor Show, including the Mercedes-Benz E-Class , Volkswagen Golf GTI and more. Some automakers have confirmed to Roadshow that details of their yet-to-be-seen debuts will still be released as planned, while others are holding off until further notice.

This isn't the first major event to be canceled in lieu of the coronavirus. Earlier this month, the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona was axed, as well as the Facebook F8 developer conference. The Beijing Motor Show, originally scheduled for April, has been put on hold as well.

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The Volkswagen Golf GTI keeps things fresh and familiar

  • a red car: The hot hatch standard is back.
  • a red car driving on a road: The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI debuted ahead of the 2020 Geneva Motor Show with evolutionary looks.
  • a red car: It feels familiar, yet different.
  • a red car: The front gets a ton of lights, for better or worse.
  • a red and black truck sitting on top of a car: The back keeps things simple with LED taillights, dual exhausts and a diffusor.
  • a close up of a car: The biggest changes are inside.
  • a close up of a car: There's a digital cockpit as standard with a 10.25-inch driver's screen and a 10-inch screen to the right of them.
  • a close up of a car: I do love the chunky steering wheel.
  • a close up of a red chair in a suit and tie: Oh, yes, there's plaid upholstery. Thank god.
  • a close up of a car: This is the weird gear selector for the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but a six-speed manual is standard.
  • a red car parked on the side of a road: Keep clicking or scrolling to see more of the new Golf GTI!
  • a red car parked on the side of a road
  • a red laptop sitting on a table
  • a close up of a car
  • a red suitcase
  • a close up of a piece of luggage sitting on top of a car
Full screen
1/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
The hot hatch standard is back.
2/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI debuted ahead of the 2020 Geneva Motor Show with evolutionary looks.
3/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
It feels familiar, yet different.
4/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
The front gets a ton of lights, for better or worse.
5/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
The back keeps things simple with LED taillights, dual exhausts and a diffusor.
6/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
The biggest changes are inside.
7/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
There's a digital cockpit as standard with a 10.25-inch driver's screen and a 10-inch screen to the right of them.
8/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
I do love the chunky steering wheel.
9/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
Oh, yes, there's plaid upholstery. Thank god.
10/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
This is the weird gear selector for the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but a six-speed manual is standard.
11/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
Keep clicking or scrolling to see more of the new Golf GTI!
12/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
13/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
14/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
15/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
16/16 SLIDES © Provided by Roadshow
16/16 SLIDES

Originally published Feb. 28, 2:56 a.m. PT.

Update, 3:17 a.m.: Adds additional statement from Geneva Motor Show officials.

This was originally published on Roadshow.

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