It is likely to take years for the full impact of the joint venture agreement between Sydney and Melbourne motor show organisers to take effect. As the Melbourne show comes to an end today (Monday March 9) Melbourne visitors now face a two-year wait for their next chance.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and VACC signed the agreement last week after years of negotiations at the request of the car companies. The companies were no longer committed to spending the amount of money required to attend two shows in the same year.
Under the agreement both shows will be known as the Australian International Motor Show.
FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar tells the Carsales Network that the new deal has seen the establishment of a new management board to oversee the organising. There will be a management committee comprising an equal number of FCAI and VACC members.
"Beyond that, finalising of the organisation and the structure needs to be worked through," McKellar says.
But with the next Sydney show already scheduled for 7-17 October next year and Melbourne expected to continue in its traditional March slot in 2011 there is now the prospect of six and 18 month gaps between the alternating shows. McKellar recognises that the timing isn't ideal but says it could take several years to find a new common time for both shows.
"In the fullness of time it's probably a desire to shift the show to the middle of the year... But I think there is an understanding that it will be a long-term proposition," he says.
Finding a vacant slot at the host venues -- Sydney's Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre and Melbourne's Exhibition Centre -- could be a major stumbling block.
"It's not something that's totally in our control," McKellar admits.
Picking the right time to coincide with overseas shows will also be an important aspect in deciding a new date.
"One of the main considerations is when the other international shows are being staged to get availability of vehicles and concepts," McKellar says.