2020 New York Auto Show Canceled Since Convention Center Still Setup As COVID-19 Hospital

Originally, the 2020 New York International Auto Show had been postponed until August when the Coronavirus hit the US. But now, officials have announced the show has been canceled for the year because the Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center it takes place in is still set up as temporary field hospital meant to house COVID-19 patients.

While the facility treated more than 1,000 patients during April, it is currently not in use. Equipment was left in place, however, in case a second wave of the coronavirus hits the city.

“As representatives of automobile retailers, we know when this crisis passes there will be enormous pent-up demand for new vehicles in this region and across the country. We also know how important the show is for consumers navigating the process,” Mark Schienberg, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealer’s Association, said in a news release.

Next year’s show is currently scheduled to open to the press on March 31, 2021, ahead of its traditional 10-day run public run through Easter week.