2010 British Motor Show RIP

The UK car industry was today reeling following the cancellation of the 2010 British Motor Show.

Organisers revealed the “extremely difficult decision” at lunchtime after rumours appeared on the Internet last night.

They blamed the decision on the global credit crunch but stressed the show was only being postponed and would return in the future.

Manufacturers which use the event to showcase their latest models were united in their disappointment at the news but few were surprised by a decision which reflects how hard the recession has hit the automotive sector.

The new Ford Fiesta was unveiled at last year’s event and Ford spokesman Tim Holmes expressed sadness at the news.

“We’re not surprised by the decision,” he said.

“Ford has been a leading supporter of the British Motor Show for the past few decades and this is an indication of the severity of the situation.”

 View images of the Ford Focus RS and Ford Fiesta at the 2008 British Motor Show

Renault spokesman Jeremy Townsend added: “We were there at the last show and it was a success.

“This is very sad news but understandable against the current economic situation.”

Renault Megane Renaultsport R26.R images at the British Motor Show

A spokesman for Jaguar and Land Rover said: “We fully support the decision which has been made.”

New British car maker Axon Automotive was planning to use the 2010 show to launch its first model – the100mpg Axon hatchback city car.

Axon Automotive’s managing director Steven Cousins told Auto Trader: “We’re very disappointed about the cancellation.”

Originally held at Earl's Court in west London and then at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, the biennial show had only recently moved back to London.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everett made the announcement today saying: “The British International Motor Show is the UK’s largest consumer exhibition, hugely popular with the public, and has been attracting increasing numbers of visitors over recent years, making the decision to cancel the 2010 Show 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.”

Video: Watch our review of the 2008 British Motor Show