2020 Geneva motor show canned

This year's Geneva motor show has been cancelled just days before it was about to open to the world's media in an effort to contain the Coronavirus in Switzerland.

Rumours have been rife all week that the Swiss show would be axed following neighbouring Italy announced it was implemented curfews to stop the spread of the potentially fatal virus.

It finally took action from the Swiss authorities just three days before it was due to open to force the event's organisers to pull the plug on the 90th Geneva motor show.

This year more than 160 car-makers and suppliers were scheduled to exhibit, with many brand's set to launch new vehicles on the world stage.

The late-stage cancellation has set in motion a scramble by car-makers like BMW to seek an alternative time and venue to launch its i4 pure-electric concept.

Many brands have reportedly admitted they have 'no plan B', announcing that they would resort to online launches on their social media channels.

What remains, arguably, the world's most important car show, the organisers had been dragging their feet over a decision to cancel or postpone the show, but the choice was effectively taken away when bans were implemented by the Swiss Government on any event that attracted more than 1000 people.

Last year more than 660,000 people visited the Geneva motor show, generating an estimated $200 million ($A300m) worth of business.

Controversy continues to surround this year's event because despite visitors receiving full refunds on their tickets, the exhibitors themselves will not see a single cent back as the organisers claim it was the Swiss authorities, not them, who cancelled the show.