FCAI, VACC work out motor show arrangement

Organisers of the Melbourne and Sydney motor shows have bowed to pressure from exhibitors. The two organising bodies, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI, Sydney) and the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC, Melbourne) announced officially today that the two motor shows will share their international status in a new joint venture -- an agreement which will see the Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) located in each city on alternating years.

Today, the FCAI and the VACC issued a press release advising that the joint venture will commence operations with the 2010 AIMS, to be held in Sydney. For 2011, the venue shifts to Melbourne. This year, the Melbourne motor show celebrates its 75th anniversary, but will not be deemed an international show, as such. AIMS in Sydney -- normally held in October each year -- has been cancelled for 2009, so we're left waiting about 18 months or longer for an Australian motor show of international standing. At least once it arrives, it will truly be an international motor show -- not just named as such.

"The FCAI is delighted to announce the joint venture with VACC," Chief Executive of the Chamber, Andrew McKellar was quoted as saying in the press release -- a joint effort by the organisers.

"The new relationship will allow a new direction while maintaining the tradition and heritage of the motor shows in the two capital cities."

"We are already making plans for Sydney in 2010 and are confident that under the new agreement, it will be an exciting and well-supported show.

Addressing the situation already reported by the Carsales Network (more here) -- and against a backdrop of failing state motor shows around the country (more here, here and here) --  McKellar is confident that the new scenario will benefit exhibitors and organisers alike.

"The new model is viable and sustainable and takes into account the views of the many vehicle brands who considered the proliferation of motor shows in Australia as being too costly," he said.

Over at the VACC, Executive Director, David Purchase was turning a setback into a net gain for the two motor shows. The successful implementation of the joint venture business model for the two largest motor shows in the country is predicated on gaining international status and attracting more visitors and exhibitors from overseas.

"The intention is to have the new events registered as the Australian International Motor Show, said Purchase in the release.

"This will enhance the stature of the motor shows and assist in attracting participation from overseas."

What it doesn't seem to resolve is the thin end of the wedge that has now slipped into the crack. Sooner or later, one or more exhibitors may ask why Australia needs a motor show of international standing every year, when many countries with motor shows of some standing only run them once every two years.