An announcement is expected this lunchtime confirming the 2010 British Motor Show will be cancelled.

The Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) will cancel next year’s event, according to the organisation’s former head of communications Nigel Wonnacott.

Writing for Car Magazine, Mr Wonnacott said the event could return when the economy picks up, but that it would be unlikely.

However, a postponement until 2011 could work out better for the British Motor Show.

Currently a bi-annual event, the British Motor Show would be forced to run during the summer of 2012 – right in the middle of the London Olympics, which is also based in the East-end.

The British Motor Show returned to London in 2006 after more than 25 years away from the capital with debuts including the BMW M6 Cabriolet, Jaguar XKR and Aston Martin Rapide Concept.

But last year’s show was a bit of a disappointment with no-shows from the likes of BMW, Porsche and Volkswagen.

While last year’s London ExCeL show attracted more than 472,000 visitors, it’s considerably down on the 700,000 who attended the 1994 show at the Birmingham NEC.

The SMMT will release a statement at lunchtime so don't forget to come back for the full story.