PENNSYLVANIA, USA — The Harrisburg Automotive Trade Association’s (HATA) Board of Directors announced today that there will be no Pennsylvania Auto Show in 2022.
Daniel McMillen, of HATA, said in a statement that this was a "difficult decision," but because of low inventory levels and current conditions, the association "unfortunately cannot produce an event of the caliber that show-goers have come to expect and deserve."
McMillen also said in the statement that automotive manufacturer production has slowed significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a global microchip shortage.
The show was scheduled to take place from Jan. 27 to 30 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, and was set to host more than 30 manufacturers with the latest vehicles and technology.
But the pandemic-related global supply chain disruption has created a shortage of microchips needed to make cars, leading to a shortage of new cars.
“I mean, I start every month out with only one or two cars on my lot, as far as new cars,” Jonathan Casey, owner of Sutliff Volkswagon said.
The show’s cancellation is also expected to hurt local businesses that rely on tourism dollars.
“We’ve had shows that got cancelled and postponed until next year and they got then postponed again because of COVID scares and all that, so it’s been a lot less business than what we would want, obviously," Kevyn Knox, general manager of the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (H-MAC) said.
Planning for the 2023 show has already begun, however, HATA said. The organization thanked participants and fans alike or their continued support.