Today the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that it was cancelling next year's show because it could not get car manufacturers to commit to the event.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: 'The British International Motor Show is the UK's largest consumer exhibition, hugely popular with the public, and has been attracting increasing numbers of visitors over recent years, making the decision to cancel the 2010 Show an extremely difficult one.

'However, the global credit crunch has placed the automotive sector under unique pressure and has created a level of uncertainty that deters manufacturers from committing to large-scale, international events.'

British Motor Show organisers, International Motor Industry Events (imie), expressed their disappointment. Imie managing director Rob Mackenzie said: 'Given the great strides that the motor show has taken since its return to London, we fully endorse the decision to postpone BIMS until market conditions will again permit us to deliver a world class event that truly showcases the UK industry.'

New York Motor Show preview: Acura concept

18 Mar 09 12:42

Acura concept teaser

Honda's Acura division will unveil a new concept car at the New York Motor Show next month.

The teaser images released so far don't give much away, but it's thought that this concept previews a four-door sports crossover in the vein of the BMW X6

It is said to be developed on the underpinnings of the current MDX SUV, and is expected to get a new version of Acura's 300bhp 3.7 V6 engine.

Honda is aiming to elevate Acura to the top level of luxury-car brands, and while the new-generalion NSX supercar (to have been marketed as an Acura in selected markets) has been put on hold, a crossover SUV has higher sales potential. This model, which could be called MSX, is scheduled for launch next year.

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