One motor show only

Common sense has prevailed and now there will be only one motor show every year instead of rival ones in Sydney and Melbourne. This year, Sydney will miss out.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) organisers of the Sydney motor show and the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and its new car division, AADA (Vic) SA have now formed a Motor Show joint venture to operate the Australian International Motor Show. The show will alternate between Sydney and Melbourne. Sydney will have its first turn in 2010.

The 75th Melbourne Motor Show will be held from February 27 to March 9 this year and there will be no Sydney show in 2009.

“The FCAI is delighted to announce the joint venture with the VACC,” FCAI chief executive, Andrew McKellar said. “The new relationship will allow a new direction while maintaining the tradition and heritage of motor shows in the two capital cities.

“The new show model is viable and sustainable and takes into account the views of the many vehicle brands who considered the proliferation of motors shows in Australia as being too costly,” he added.

VACC executive director, David Purchase, said that this was a significant and important step forward for the future of motor shows in Sydney and Melbourne and establishes a strong relationship between the FCAI and VACC which, no doubt, will be of benefit to the broader Australian automotive industry.

“The intention is to have the new events registered as the Australian International Motor Show,” Purchase said. “This will enhance the stature of the motor shows and assist in attracting participation from overseas.”