British International Motor Show
The British International Motor Show is an automobile show held biennially in the United Kingdom. It is recognised as an international show by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles.
History
The first British Motor Show organised by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) was held at Crystal Palace, London in 1903. It subsequently moved to Olympia in London, where it was held each year for 32 years. From 1937 until 1976 it was held at Earl's Court in London, before moving to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham in 1978. The NEC hosted the show every other year until the last show there in May 2004. The 2004 show was moved from the traditional October date to May to avoid conflicting with the other two major autumn motor shows in Frankfurt and Paris.[1] In 2006 the motor show was returned to London, taking place at ExCeL in London Docklands.
2006
The 2006 British Motor Show was held in July at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre in London's Docklands. It featured a nightly post-show rock music festival called Dock Rock.
Vehicle introductions:
- Alfa Romeo Spider (UK introduction)
- Aston Martin Rapide (UK introduction)
- Bentley Continental Flying Spur Mulliner Driving Specification
- BMW M6 Convertible
- Chevrolet Captiva (UK introduction)
- Chrysler Sebring sedan (Europe introduction)
- Dodge Nitro (Europe introduction)
- Ford Focus coupe-convertible (UK introduction)
- Honda Civic 3-door hatchback
- Jaguar XJR Portfolio
- Jaguar XKR
- Kia C-segment model (codename ED)
- Land Rover Freelander2/LR2 (World Introduction)
- Lexus GS 300 Limited Edition
- Lotus Europa S (UK introduction)
- Lotus Exige S (UK introduction)
- Mazda BT-50 (Europe introduction)
- Mazda Mazda3 MPS (UK introduction)
- Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe
- MINI GP (UK introduction)
- Mitsubishi i (Europe introduction)
- Rolls-Royce 101EX (UK introduction)
- Saab 9-3 Convertible BioPower
- SEAT León Cupra
- SEAT León FR
- SEAT Altea FR
- Smart Fortwo EV
- Toyota RAV4 (UK introduction)
- Toyota Yaris (UK introduction)
- Vauxhall Corsa 3-door and 5-door (World introduction)
- Volvo S60
- Volvo S80 (UK introduction)
- Volvo XC90 (UK introduction)
Dock rock performers:
- July 19, A-Ha
- July 20, Van Morrison
- July 21,
UB40 - July 22, Roxy Music
- July 24, Simple Minds
- July 26, Katherine Jenkins with the National Symphony Orchestra of London
- July 27, Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra
2004
In 2004 the show, branded The Sunday Times Motorshow Live, was held from 27 May - 6 June, instead of the usual October.
1998
October 1998 NEC, Birmingham. Saw the launch of two critical saloons from British car manufacturers:
Vehicle introductions:
- Rover 75 - debut of the first (and last) Rover with the help of BMW.
- Jaguar S-Type - all new executive car from Jaguar, retro in design like the Rover.
1998 was also the year that the then BMW boss Bernd Pischetsrieder made an impromptu speech about the future of the Rover Longbridge plant which would then lead to the sell of the brand in 2000 and its collapse in 2005.
1988
October 221988–October 301988 NEC, Birmingham.
Vehicle introductions:
- Jaguar XJ220 - debut of Jaguar's 220 mph all wheel drive (AWD) super car concept vehicle
1984
October 201984–October 281984 NEC, Birmingham.
Vehicle introductions:
- Austin Montego Estate - the Design Council award winning family estate from Austin Rover[2]
1974
October 161974–October 261974 Earl's Court, London.
Vehicle introductions:
- Lotus Esprit (Worldwide launch)[3]
- Lotus Eclat (2+2) (Worldwide launch)[3]
1966
October 191966–October 291966 Earl's Court, London.
Vehicle introductions:
- Jensen FF - AWD super car launched. The world's first production car with anti-lock brakes.[4]
- Aston Martin DB6 Volante - debut
1948
October 271948–November 61948 Earl's Court, London.
Vehicle introductions:
- Jaguar XK120 - launched, and was the world's fastest production car at the time
See also
References and notes
- SMMT history including that of the motor show
- British International Motor Show. Pietro Frua. - Source of show locations and dates
- ^ Jorn Madslien. "Struggling motorshow in spring debut", BBC, 2004-05-24.
- ^ Story of the Montego. Maestro & Montego Owners Club.
- ^ a b Brief Lotus History. The Espirit Factfile.
- ^ Keith Anderson. Jensen. Haynes Publishing Group. ISBN 0-85429-682-4.
External links
- British International Motor Show - Official website
- The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders - Official website of the organisers
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