FILE - In a Jan. 15, 2019 file photo, signage for automakers Volkswagen, Acura, Chevrolet and Ford, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.The Associated Press
The North American International Auto Show said that it will cancel its Detroit show because of the coronavirus pandemic and the centre where it is held will likely be repurposed into a hospital.
The Detroit Auto Show, as it is more commonly known, is one of the largest auto shows in North America.
It was scheduled to be held in June. Prior to this year, the auto show was traditionally held in January.
“Although we are disappointed, there is nothing more important to us than the health, safety and well-being of the citizens of Detroit and Michigan, and we will do what we can to support our community’s fight against the coronavirus outbreak,” said NAIAS executive director Rod Alberts in a statement released late Saturday.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency plans to repurpose TCF Center into a temporary field hospital, according to NAIAS. A number of convention centres and other large facilities are being considered as potential sites for care as the virus spreads.
NAIAS will hold its next annual show in June, 2021.