2010 British motor show cancelled

The 2010 British motor show in London has been cancelled.

The announcement was made by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which says that the economic downturn and "unprecedented challenges" facing the motor industry have made it impossible for exhibitors to commit to the biennial event.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: 'Making the decision to cancel the 2010 show is an extremely difficult one. 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.'

Rob Mackenzie, managing director of the show's organiser, International Motor Industry Events, added: 'Given the great strides that the motor show has taken since its return to London, we fully endorse the decision to postpone it until market conditions will permit us to deliver a world-class event that showcases the UK industry.'