Auto Expo, India’s premier auto show, which was scheduled to take place in February next year at Greater Noida has been postponed amid concerns of a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The last edition of the biennial automobile show took place in February 2020.

“The magnitude of the risk of the spread of infection is extremely high in a business-to-consumer (B2C) show like the 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 for now,” the Society of Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) director general Rajesh Menon said in a statement.

The exact date for the next edition of the motor show would be finalised later this year keeping in view the Covid situation and in alignment with the calendar of other global auto shows, he added.

The auto industry body may host the show in late 2022 if things improve, Reuters said.

“The Auto Expo is like a celebration for the Indian auto industry and we look forward to receiving maximum people with no fear of spread of infection,” Menon added.

The car show in India is a platform for domestic car makers such as Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors as well as global companies such as Hyundai Motor Co and Daimler to showcase new models and technologies.

Companies have to spend a lot of money on the display and with the uncertainty of a third wave it was thought best to postpone the event, one of the sources said.

Auto Expo 2020 saw total footfalls of over six lakh visitors. Around 70 products were launched at the country’s flagship auto show. Around 352 product were displayed from 108 exhibitors.

Keeping in pace with the trend of eco-friendly vehicles, the expo had also showcased 35 electric vehicles.

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With inputs from Reuters