Coronavirus casts shadow on Auto Expo; Chinese executives to stay away from exhibit areas

The coronavirus outbreak has cast its shadow on India's flagship motor show Auto Expo that is beginning on Wednesday, with officials of participating Chinese firms staying away from their exhibit areas in both automobile and components showcase events.

Automobile industry body SIAM on Tuesday said all Chinese companies participating at the expo have confirmed that their exhibit area would be manned by their Indian employees.

Similarly, auto component makers body ACMA said Chinese participants at the components show of Auto Expo are unable to travel to attend due to the outbreak of coronavirus in the country, even as around 30 companies from there have confirmed that their stand would be managed by their Indian counterparts in their absence.

According to industry sources, around 200 Chinese firms have applied to take part in the components show but due to the coronavirus outbreak only 30 have confirmed their participation as on Tuesday.

The biennial automobile show kicks off on Wednesday with media presentations and will be officially inaugurated on Thursday. The expo will be open to public from February 7-12 at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida.

On the other hand, the Auto Expo 2020 - Components Show is being held at Pragati Maidan here in the Capital from February 6 to 9.

In a statement, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Rajan Wadhera said, "All Chinese companies participating at the Auto Expo the Motor Show 2020 have confirmed that their exhibit area would be manned by their Indian employees/representatives."
Wadhera further said, "As all arrivals from China have now been stopped, there will be no visitors/delegations from China at the Motor Show 2020."
Jain further said, "As travel of Chinese Nationals to India has now been stopped, we therefore do not expect visitors and delegates from China at the Auto Expo 2020 Components Show."