The 2020 Connected Auto & Smart Transport Expo (Castex) was set to have been held in Guangzhou, southern China, but will now not happen until the autumn, says the organiser.
A statement explains: “To ensure the safety of our exhibitors and visitors, the organising committee of Castex has decided to reschedule the event, which was to be held in Guangzhou from 22-24 June 2020, till the fourth quarter of 2020.”
The virus, which was first reported in Wuhan, China, on 31 December, has so far claimed more than 1,800 lives.
"The well-being of all the event’s participants is of prime importance to us and we made this difficult decision with their best interest in mind, after consultation with our partners and with consideration of information and advices from the China government and local authorities," the statement continues.
"We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will announce the new dates for the event as soon as possible."
Coronavirus has already had an effect on the global conference programme: Mobile World Congress, the world’s largest smartphone tech show, was cancelled because of worries about international travellers transmitting the disease. It had been due to be held next week in Barcelona, Spain.
It has also been reported that China might postpone its annual congress, the biggest political meeting of the year, which is due to take place in March.
