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I haven't been so excited about a car exhibition in the UK since I was a kid. As I'm a Londoner, I've got many fond memories of Earls Court as a youngster, which is probably why I've always thought of the city as the natural home of our biggest car-related event. But not any more; if a big exhibition is to have a future, it's going to be in motorist-friendly Birmingham, rather than the car-hating capital, which is determined to drive out motorists and therefore car dealers and manufacturers.

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By Mike Rutherford

27th May 2004

But London's loss is Brum's gain. If there were any doubts in the past, there can be none these days - Birmingham is to England what Detroit is to America, Tokyo to Japan and Turin to Italy. It's the heart, the home and the engine room of our motor industry.

And that's why it's so appropriate Birmingham should stage the biggest and most important show in Britain. The timing of the 2004 event is brilliant - spring is in the air, the days are getting longer, the sun's beginning to shine and I detect an air of optimism and enthusiasm that I don't feel at the more traditional motor show time of October when winter's looming, the nights are drawing in and overcoats are required.

Sure, you can moan about ticket prices, but they were available at a discount if you bought them in advance. I gave away 500 to Daily Mirror readers, courtesy of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It has, via various promotions, allowed thousands of showgoers through the NEC doors for nothing. And if you want to bring your own sandwiches and refreshments to avoid the restaurant prices, that's fine, too.

The choice is simple; it's largely up to the public whether there's a place for a giant motor show in Britain in the years ahead. The world's car industry is, with a few disgraceful exceptions, doing its bit to support an event that shouldn't, but nevertheless does, have a question mark hovering over its future. And whether you've blagged a freebie ticket, bought a discounted one or paid full whack on the door, you've done your bit, too.

Alfa Romeo, Perodua, Proton and SsangYong aren't at the show because they've foolishly decided not to take stands - and they wonder why their sales in the UK are so pathetic! As for BMW, its dealers are doing just fine, but the attitude of the German firm stinks. After taking or selling off the best bits of Rover, then sentencing what's left to a bleak future, I believe BMW has a debt to the region. I think the least it could do is turn up at the Birmingham show, but it can't be bothered.

On the subject of Birmingham being the heart and soul of the UK car industry, my TV programme Pulling Power will be putting a slightly different spin on reporting the Motor Show. We'll be telling you about the star cars as usual, but in a one-off special we'll also be investigating some of the other things the Midlands city has to offer. Unfortunately, I'm unable to tell you exactly when it's going on air, but I'm told by the schedulers it will be during the course of the NEC event. Keep an eye on ITV1 for all the details.