A sharp rise in COVID-19 cases across America has rung panic bells again. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which was presumed to continue as a normal event, has to bear the consequences of this pandemic another time, unfortunately. Most of the automakers who were ready to unveil their new offerings in autonomous tech and EVs have to move to a more blended in-person/ virtual event, with some firms withdrawing from in-person attendance completely.
Even the CES organisers have to take drastic measures as they shortened the CES by a day, as “an additional safety measure to the current health protocols that have been put in place for CES.” That said, the in-person parts of the event are not stopped completely as we have witnessed last year.
GM’s Plan
Joining the tech giants like Twitter, T-Mobile, and Amazon is General Motors with no in-person appearance. Expect the CEO Mary Barra’s crucial speech and press show for new EVs to go online.
“We have decided to move to an all-digital approach with our activation at CES 2022 in January,” a GM representative communicated to Car and Driver. “CES is an important technology platform, and we are continuing with our plans on January 5 to share our significant company news including the reveal of the Chevrolet Silverado EV.”
On the other hand, GM’s new tech firm BrightDrop will attend the event with some representatives who will brief about the company’s EV600 electric commercial vehicle and EP1 electric pallet. Their virtual press call will take place tomorrow.
BMW and Mercedes Will Both Go Online
BMW has totally abandoned the in-person attendance and decided to shift all media activities to a completely digital programme that will go live from Germany.
Mercedes has also joined their German rival, saying that, “the health and safety of our customers, partners, employees, and guests are our highest priority. In view of the current situation in connection with the COVID-19 virus, we’ve therefore decided to cancel Mercedes-Benz AG’s participation in CES 2022, after intensive consultations.”
However, they will reveal the Vision EQXX today at noon ET.
Fisker to Show its ADAS
Fisker’s CEO Henrik Fisker will be there for virtual and in-person interviews as they highlight their innovative ADAS system available for the forthcoming Fisker Ocean – the automaker’s first EV. Fisker says the SUV will feature a 4D radar system that is the first provided in a passenger/commercial vehicle. However, we should know that Aptiv employs a 4D radar system in its test cars.
Many other suppliers and carmakers have decided not to appear physically on the show as well. The ZF Group will Livestream the unveiling of the Next Generation Mobility Now and Valeo will be there in very small numbers with all interviews and ADAS announcements happing virtually. EV charging station firm Blink Charging will introduce its seven new offerings in-person at the show but most of the affairs will be online.
Waymo has pulled out of the show but will give updates on its autonomous tech and gender equality during panel meetings.
With each passing day, the COVID-19 situation is shaping the decisions of participating companies. We hope some kind of in-person attendance to make the show more engaging.
Source and Images: CarandDriver