British auto mag Auto Express reports that IMIE, organiser of the British Motor Show, has confirmed that the 2010 event has been scrapped.

Due to ever-increasing financial pressures, manufacturers simply aren’t able to justify (or, for some, even ‘cover’) the cost of running a stand at the ExCeL centre, in London’s Docklands.

The 2010 event was initially to be postponed until 2011, but now it appears that, short of a trip through the chunnel, the Brits may not see a motor show until 2012.

MD Rob Mackenzie from IMIE confirmed the decision:

“The show will be postponed until market conditions permit us to stage a world class event.”

Auto Express claims that floor space has been reserved at the Venue in May 2012, ahead of the Olympic games.

Hopefully the economy has stabilised somewhat by then and the show goes ahead.

For now, Top Gear re-runs will just have to do.