If there's one thing we're sick of reporting on, it's that Covid has forced another delay or cancelation of some event or another. Fortunately, today is less of a cancelation than a reconfiguring of how something will be done. As we get ready to enter 2022, all eyes are turning towards the Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, in Las Vegas. The 2022 edition was bound to be jam-packed with tech from automotive giants, including the reveal of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 EV. But with the rise of the Omicron variant, Chevrolet pulled out of an in-person reveal. Now, news has reached us that BMW and Mercedes-Benz have also pulled their in-person displays at CES.

For Mercedes, it's a complete withdrawal, with a company spokesperson confirming so to CNET with a statement reading, "As 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."

The statement continues that, "Due to the large group of participants and the different country-specific regulations, a solid, safe and harmless planning for all participants is unfortunately not be feasible in the current situation. We deeply regret this decision but consider it necessary."

The show was supposed to be a big one for Mercedes, which was going to debut the new Vision EQXX Concept as the pinnacle of aerodynamic efficiency. This reveal will now be held online.

BMW released a short statement to the media, highlighting the brand's history at CES, but explaining that this year it is simply not viable. "For many years, the BMW Group has been presenting innovations at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Due to the pandemic situation, the BMW Group will move all planned media activities at CES to a fully digital program live-streamed from Germany." The stream will be hosted by BMW board member Pieter Nota. BMW was not expected to reveal anything big, although the BMW XM likely would've made an appearance.