2010 British Motor Show Cancelled Amid Financial Downturn

Organizers have axed next year's 2010 British International Motor Show because of the recession that has hit the automobile industry and consumers alike. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) made the announcement today saying that the economic downturn " made it impossible for exhibitors to commit to a 2010 event."

"The British International Motor Show is the UK's largest consumer exhibition, hugely popular with the public, and has been attracting increasing numbers of visitors over recent years, making the decision to cancel the 2010 Show an extremely difficult one," said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt. "However, the global credit crunch has placed the automotive sector under unique pressure and has created a level of uncertainty that deters manufacturers from committing to large-scale, international events," he added.

It should be noted that the organizers have not made it clear when (or if...) the British Motor Show will open its doors again.

Speaking on behalf of International Motor Industry Events (imie), the organizers of the British International Motor Show, joint managing director Rob Mackenzie said: "Given the great strides that the Motor Show has taken since its return to London, we fully endorse the decision to postpone BIMS until market conditions will again permit us to deliver a world class event that truly showcases the UK industry."