The London-based biennial British International Motor Show, cancelled this year, will not be reinstated in 2012, it has been announced.

The show, held at the ExCel exhibition centre in London’s Docklands, was successfully staged in 2008.

But the downturn in the motor industry caused the organiser, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), to scrap this year’s event. And last week, the SMMT said that, following a thorough consultation with the UK motor industry, it was not reinstating the show in 2012.

SMMT chief executive officer Paul Everitt said: “The British International Motor Show has been a tremendously successful showcase for the UK motor industry.

“In recent years the show has played a less important role in influencing new car buyers and vehicle manufacturers are focusing their limited resources on events and activities that have a more direct impact on brand awareness and consumer decisions.”

The show was held at Birmingham National Exhibition Centre from 1978 until 2004 before moving to ExCel in 2006.

The show had previously been held, first, at Crystal Palace, and then at the west London venues of Olympia and Earl’s Court.

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