BMW and Mercedes-Benz also withdraw from CES
BMW and Mercedes-Benz are also withdrawing from the CES in Las Vegas which is due to begin this week. The two German manufacturers, however, each had an important presentation planned. They consider the health risks to be too significant brought on by the increase in COVID-19 cases all over the world.
The CES in Las Vegas, the Consumer Electronics Show, will open its doors on thick and thin on January 5, after all, this is Las Vegas. However, more and more exhibitors consider that there is a risk to the health of participants and employees in connection with the increase in cases of COVID-19. Therefore, out of protection and social conscience, two other automakers are stepping down from the floor, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
For BMW, CES 2022 was to be the occasion to make some important presentations. It is on the floor of Las Vegas that we were to see for the first time the utility BMW iX in its M60 performance version with engine of more than 600 horsepower. In addition, the Bavarian manufacturer planned to demonstrate an innovative paint with the ability to change color.
Finally, as this is an electronics fair, there were also plans to unveil a new infotainment system. BMW cannot change its agenda too much, so there will indeed be a presentation of the products, but in a virtual way. The broadcast will take place on January 5 at 2 p.m. on BMW’s various digital platforms.
It is exactly the same for the manufacturer from Stuttgart. Starting today, Mercedes-Benz will present the most efficient and fuel-efficient vehicle in its history, the EQXX concept. CES was to be the first public event following the virtual unveiling.
For Mercedes-Benz, the EQXX embodies a new direction in both electrification and potentially design. Mercedes-Benz made just one brief statement: “The health and safety of our consumers, partners, employees and guests is our priority. “
Others
BMW and Mercedes-Benz join other big names in the industry including GM which was to present the Chevrolet Silverado EV. On the side of the other market segments that have withdrawn, Waymo, Amazon, Intel and Microsoft have also withdrawn from CES in the face of the rise of COVID-19.