A MUCH-loved car show that's been running for more than a century has been axed.
Car lovers have been left devastated by the news that the legendary Geneva Motor Show has been canned.
Bosses have blamed Covid and the fact there "too many uncertainties" in the current climate.
They added that the way the motors industry was moving had started to erode the popularity of the Swiss show.
The show was first held in 1905 and quickly became known as the big European motor event.
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There was a time when around 120 exhibitors and 600,000 people came along for a look.
Motors lovers took to social media to share their heartbreak, with some saying it was one of the "major shows" they'd attend year-on-year.
One fan said: "Let's keep a minute of silence for the best auto show that has ever existed.
"The industry has irrevocably taken a new direction and will never again be what we were so passionate about. Rest in peace."
Another said: "I used to get so excited for the reveals that would happen on the show."
To which one person wrote: "That’s so sad."
One other added: "This is the end of the world as we know it."
President Alexandre de Senarclens blasted a “lack of interest from manufacturers” and the growing competition as “the final blow for a future edition”.
He continued: “This extremely regrettable decision should not detract from the efforts and determination with which we have tried to regain our success.
“The teams had put all their determination into reviving this motor show after the Covid pandemic.”
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Comité Permanent du Salon International de l'Automobile said: "This decision follows the recognition that market conditions in Europe are not conducive to the success of future editions.”
The devastating news comes just weeks after three news innovations were revealed at this year's show.
Motor manufacturers flocked from far and wide to use the show to promote their latest models and showcase concept cars, with many offering unique features.
This extremely regrettable decision should not detract from the efforts and determination with which we have tried to regain our success.
This was the first time the event has been held in Switzerland since the Covid pandemic and it did not disappoint, delighting petrol heads with its quirky modern cars
Standout displays included a car that could drive on water, a vehicle with two seats on the bonnet, and a motor with a rotating touchscreen.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at Cinch, noted that one of the coolest cars seen at the show is the Yangwang U8, a Chinese alternative to the Land Rover Defender.
It has the ability to float to help the driver escape if the vehicle lands in water.
He said: "The U8 has arrived as a 1,186bhp plug-in hybrid luxury SUV that takes on the new Land Rover Discovery 130.
"Unlike it's British rival, the U8 is a massive floatation device.
"This makes it safer in the event of an accident in the water, keeping all passengers upright and dry.
"As soon as it senses you've driven into the water, Emergency Floating Mode activates, shutting down the engine, raising the suspension, closing the windows, opening the sunroof and displaying water depth and vehicle position on the central control system."
