Motor Show axed

19th March 2009

It's the end of the road for the British Motor Show – Auto Express has learned that next year's event has been canned as struggling car makers can't afford to take space at ExCeL in London's Docklands.

We revealed plans to delay the 2010 event until to 2011, so that it didn’t clash with the 2012 London Olympics. But that idea has been abandoned, due to the economic downturn.

Organiser IMIE said it will relaunch the exhibition, but won’t give a date. MD Rob Mackenzie said: “The show will be postponed until market conditions permit us to stage a world class event.”

However, we understand floor space has been reserved at the venue in May 2012, ahead of the Olympic games.