British Motor Show to Be Delayed Until 2011?

There's no wonder carmakers are no longer interested in auto shows: too many costs, so little audience, lower sales than ever. While several companies already missed the 2009 North American International Auto Show and others confirmed they will say “pass” to the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show, organizers of the upcoming British Motor Show struggle to decide whether to delay the event or to go further without important names on the guest list.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) may delay the British motor show until 2011, according to Autocar, due to the declining profitability plus a clash with the 2010 London Olympics. The organization confirmed the report, while spokesperson Nikki Rooke added that several other options are still under consideration and a decision should be announced soon. The board of SMTT will decide in March whether to postpone the show or go ahead without some automakers.

"To go ahead, we need the collective support of the major brands. It’s difficult to run a family party when some of the grandparents are missing,” Rob Mackenzie, managing director of show organizer IMIE, was quoted as saying by Autocar..

As mentioned, organizers of the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show faced almost the same problems, as several automakers already announced they won't show up at the Japanese auto event. Volvo for instance, blamed the financial recession, explaining that such a show would require a major investment plan which, taking into account the company's current situation, is not viable.

"We have evaluated our participation at motor shows for 2009 to see how we can make the most out of our resources, and this year we decided not to participate at Tokyo," Volvo spokeswoman Maria Bohlin said earlier this month.