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.
2008
The 2008 British International Motor Show was held at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre in London's Docklands from 23 July-3 August.
The organisers of this year's British International Motor Show, were 'charged up' about their all-new showcase of the latest electric vehicle models. The Electric Vehicle Village brings together one of the largest collections of zero-emissions vehicles ever seen in the UK, with a display of more than 20 vehicles which are propelled solely by battery power. Vehicle emissions levels affect motoring costs, in particular vehicle excise duty, and electric cars are exempt from the congestion charge in London with free parking in Westminster and some surrounding boroughs [2].
The auto show follows a trend seen recently in the United States, with small companies unveiling high-priced, high-performance electric cars. The Lightning Car Company, for instance, unveiled the Lighting GTS, which incorporates quick-charging lithium titanate batteries from Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. into a body made from carbon fiber and Kevlar composites. The Lightning GTS employs in-wheel motors to accelerate to 60 miles per hour in less than 4 seconds. The company is taking orders for 2009 delivery, but it is not yet advertising a price for the vehicle.
Car Introductions:
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:
Dock rock performers:
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 22 to November 1, 1998 at the NEC, Birmingham. Saw the launch of two critical saloons from British car manufacturers:
Vehicle introductions:
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 22, 1988–October 30, 1988 NEC, Birmingham.
Vehicle introductions:
1984
October 20, 1984–October 28, 1984 NEC, Birmingham.
Vehicle introductions:
1974
October 16, 1974–October 26, 1974 Earl's Court, London.
Vehicle introductions:
1966
October 19, 1966–October 29, 1966 Earl's Court, London.
Vehicle introductions:
1948
October 27, 1948–November 6, 1948 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
External links
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