COVID-19: New York Auto Show Cancelled for Good

The 2020 New York Auto Show, originally set for April 8-17 but postponed to late August due to the coronavirus pandemic, has now been officially cancelled.

This is not really a surprise given the circumstances. The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, which normally hosts the event, was converted into a field hospital for COVID-19 patients earlier this spring. There are no more hospitalisations at the moment, but authorities want to keep the site ready just in case.

• Also: New York Auto Show Site is Being Turned Into a Hospital
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While the city and the state of New York seem to be past the peak of the crisis, the fight is far from over. Numerous orders and restrictions are still in effect and will continue for months in order to prevent a second wave of cases.

"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. "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."

Schienberg also understands the immense planning needed for the automakers and their exhibit partners to construct a show of this magnitude. Because of the uncertainty caused by the virus, the prudent thing to do is to definitely cancel the 2020 edition.

“We’re preparing for an even greater 2021," he promised.

The new dates have already been announced. The show will run from April 2-11, 2021.