Following a thorough consultation with the UK motor industry, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has taken decided to cancel the 2010 British International Motor Show.

It blamed the economic downturn and the "unprecedented challenges facing the industry both in the UK and around the world".

Speaking on behalf of International Motor Industry Events, the organisers of the British International Motor Show, joint managing director Rob Mackenzie said: “We fully endorse the decision to postpone the show until market conditions will again permit us to deliver a world class event that truly showcases the UK industry."