BMW and VW fronting up to Melbourne

Organisers of the Melbourne International Motor Show have announced that BMW and Volkswagen will participate in the event for 2009. In fact, according to the motor show director, Russ Tyrie, the two importers will expand their presence at Melbourne's Exhibition Centre when the show opens on February 27 next year.

"BMW and Volkswagen have taken extra space this year, which reflects the traditional desire of manufacturers to show their latest models to more than 200,000 people in a single event," says Tyrie.

"We still have a few potential exhibitors to be confirmed, but those already booked in will ensure a first-rate show for dedicated car enthusiasts and prospective car buyers alike."

The turn-out so far is in marked contrast with other motor shows that have postponed for a year (more here) or have seen a reduction in attendance -- by visitors and exhibitors alike.

Mercedes-Benz will not be attending the event though. Senior Manager Corporate Communications for the prestige importer, David McCarthy, told the Carsales Network that the company planned to "concentrate efforts on the activity at the Grand Prix".

"We are hopeful that the VACC and the FCAI will come to an agreement -- the signs are positive -- but we made the decision to concentrate our efforts on the activity at the Grand Prix."

The VACC (Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce) and the FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries) are the respective organisers of the Melbourne and Sydney motor shows. Importers such as Mercedes-Benz and other prestige brands have been negotiating with the two organising bodies to reduce the international status to alternating biennial events. The car companies argue that the cost of exhibiting at the two major motor shows has been prohibitive.

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