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By
EWAN KENNEDY
9 February 2009
In a
move that will disappoint, though probably not surprise,
Australian motoring enthusiasts have been advised that the
Melbourne and Sydney motor shows will no longer be held every
year. Rather the two cities will run events on alternate years.
The
2009 Melbourne show will go ahead as planned from February 27th to
March 9th, but the next Sydney motor show won’t be until 2010.
Probably in the traditional month of October, though the dates are
yet to be finalised. The trouble with sticking with October for
Sydney is that there would be uneven gaps between shows, nineteen
months followed by five months, then nineteen, etc.
This
cutting of motor shows is a cost-saving move on the part of the
car companies. Something they have had in mind for several years,
but the GFC (Global Financial Crisis) has brought things to a
head.
Ever
more elaborate stands as the big players fought to upstage one
another are reputed to be costing over a million dollars for every
motor show. It has been suggested that a toning down of the stands
could have let the traditional two shows per annum scheme
continue. But that’s not to be.
In
the meantime, the 2009 Melbourne International motor show is
shaping up to be a fascinating one. Electric cars are all the talk
these days and Mitsubishi will let people meet its i MiEV.
Following its introduction at the show, the Mitsubishi i MiEV will
do a grand tour of Australian cities so it can be examined and
driven by government officials, opinion leaders and media
representatives.
Subaru
is showing the electric Stella and Toyota will trade on the
reputation of its petrol-electric Prius with a display of the
all-new model.
On
the dream car front we will see the Bentley Flying Spur Speed, BMW
M1 Hommage, Lamborghini LP560-4 Spyder and Lotus Evora.
Coming
back to reality, Audi will show its soon to be launched Q5
crossover. Hyundai will give us a sneak peek at the station wagon
variant of the successful i30 hatchback. Lexus will show its
upcoming sleeker-than-ever RX350 crossover.
Peugeot
is arguably the biggest player in affordable open-top motoring in
Australia so will show the new 308CC alongside the existing
successful 207CC. Both models display exceptional styling that’s
grabbing a lot of attention.
And
there's more to come, some of it being held off until the last
minute. Log onto the Melbourne International Motor Show at
www.motorshow.com.au/ for information as it breaks on other
exciting displays.
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Marque Publishing Company
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