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Back to Motoring news

Motoring news

British Motor Show cancelled as manufacturing plummets

20/03/2009

The British International Motor Show has been cancelled for 2010.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says that it took the "difficult decision" because the recession has left carmakers unable to commit to the biennial event.

The show has taken place regularly since the inaugural 1903 event at Crystal Palace in London, moving through several venues before coming to ExCeL in Docklands for 2004, 2006 and 2008.

The SMMT said that it had been "attracting increasing numbers of visitors" in recent years, but that the automotive sector was under "unique pressure".

"The UK has a strong, diverse and highly competitive motor manufacturing industry, home to globally successful companies and iconic products admired around the world," said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.

"Both [the] SMMT and the industry are committed to displaying the achievements of the sector but in a way that better reflects the changing dynamics of the industry."

Meanwhile, SMMT figures released today show a 59% drop to date in year-on-year vehicle production. By the end of February, 121,181 vehicles had been built in the UK, compared to 294,467 at the same point last year.

Paul Everitt repeated the group's calls for a scrappage scheme, adding: "The large fall in February?s vehicle production is a direct result of weak demand and the need to protect the highly-skilled workforce and valuable industrial capability in the UK automotive sector."