Auto Expo 2020 under shadow of Coronavirus amid participation of over 200 Chinese firms

New Delhi | Jagran News Desk: The shadow of the potential breakthrough of the deadly coronavirus, that has already claimed the lives of 361 people in China, is looming over India as well. The biennial auto expo will be held in Delhi from February 7 and according to Autocar India, over 200 Chinese companies -- including MG Motor, Great Wall Motors and BYD -- will be taking a part in the event.

The presence of Chinese firms participating in the event is significantly higher this time and this has caused fear in India that officials travelling from China maybe infected by the novel coronavirus and if undetected, the disease may spread in India as well.

This has promoted many delegates from the country to cancel their visit to the auto expo, reported Live Mint. “Many groups were coming for the Auto Expo (2020). Most of them have cancelled,” a senior airline official, quoted by Live Mint, said.

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However, Society of Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) of India has said that it will take the required precautions and is in touch with the ministry of health for guidance.

“Reference to the Coronavirus threat, I want to convey that we as SIAM have gone through the advisories issued by the Ministry of Health and are taking adequate precautions at the venue of the Auto Expo - The Motor Show,” SIAM President Rajan Wadhera, quoted by Business Today, said.

Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India President Deepak Jain also said that they will take all precautionary measures and have been in touch with the companies and as of now there have been no pull outs by the exhibitors.

“We have assessed the situation but we can’t see any adverse impact. It’s is a global health concern but we will take all precautionary measures,” Jain, quoted by Live Mint, said.

The deadly coronavirus has claimed the lives of 361 people and has affected more than 17,000 people. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already declared the coronavirus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This has promoted many countries, including India, to close their borders with China to stop the spreading of the lethal disease.