Thursday Feb 17, 2005

After a thirty-year absence, ExCeL has won a three-way competitive pitch to bring the prestigious 2006 British International Motor Show back to London.

Commenting on the news, Kevin Murphy, ExCeL's Deputy Chief Executive and Managing Director: "We are delighted that the Motor Show has unanimously chosen to bring the UK's biggest consumer exhibition to our world class facility. This will utilise our 100-acre campus and create the most spectacular motoring festival environment and atmosphere. London will embrace and support this historic move fully."

Murphy further added: "Working with our partners Single Market Events and London EventCo, we hope to rejuvenate the Motor Show and open it up to a whole new audience. The new environment will allow visitors to fully interact with the cars and the manufacturers in what we know will be a fantastic show. Feature areas will include evening concerts, drive-in movies, a 4x4 experience, test track, a live action arena and Grand Prix Powerboat demonstrations."

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Chief Executive, Christopher Macgowan, said: "The motor industry is backing a bid which promises to deliver a world class event in the world's greatest city. We believe a move to ExCeL will build on the show's rich history, giving the motor show a platform that will reclaim its international reputation as premier league."

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: "This is great news for London. We are delighted that the Motor Show is coming to ExceL from 2006. The organisers have recognised the exceptional appeal of our world-class city, and in particularly the exciting developments happening in the east. It's been a pleasure to showcase the future Olympic Park, the Dome and of course ExCeL to the 2012 evaluation committee this week. I congratulate the Motor Show on making this decision."

David Campbell, CEO, Visit London, said: "We are delighted that this great event has been secured for London and look forward to continuing our work with ExCeL and the show organisers to make it a success. The Motor Show will be a big draw to London and will be an important part of our promotion in 2006."

ExCeL is London's premier events & conference venue and a host venue for the London 2012 Olympic bid. ExCeL is home to some of the UK's leading consumer and trade exhibitions such as The Schroders London Boat Show, The London Golf Show, London Triathlon, World Travel Market, Hotelympia, London Book Fair, as well as 9 out of 10 of London's top trade shows.