2009 Adelaide Motor Show Cancelled

Earlier this week we learned that the 2009 Brisbane Motor Show had been cancelled. Unfortunately, the global economic downturn has claimed another Australian motor show victim, with today's announcement that the Adelaide Motor Show will not be opening its doors in 2009. The show’s organisers have made the decision to defer the 2009 event until 2010, due to a shortfall in representation from both automotive and motorcycle manufacturers.

Ian Digby, The Executive Director of the Automotive Exhibitors Association of SA, on behalf of the association’s board of management, said visitors to the Adelaide Motor Show had come to expect one of the best and most diverse shows in the country and there was a concern these high expectations might not be fulfilled next year.

“We regret having to make this decision as we had some new and very exciting attractions planned and we were looking forward to exhibiting for the first time in the new Goyder pavilion where all the vehicle manufacturers could be seen in one state-of-the-art showcase,” Mr Digby said.

Visitor numbers to the Adelaide Motor Show have been on the rise over recent years and the decision to postpone the 2009 event has not been taken lightly. The show's organisers were concerned that the reduced representation by manufacturers would result in a disappointing experience for those attending the show.

“We have always enjoyed enormous public support, in part due to our unique attractions such as the Adelaide Motorcycle & Scooter Show and a Hot Rod & Street Machine Spectacular which make the Adelaide Motor Show one of the best value for money events of its kind,” he said.

Since its inception in 1971 the Adelaide Motor Show, which was due to be held 1 – 5 April 2009, has been staged continuously at the Adelaide Showground, and was previously an integral part of the Royal Adelaide Show. It still maintains an unbroken presence at the Royal Adelaide Show and organisers are determined to retain the close association with the Royal Show in 2009.

With manufacturers having a hard time choosing which of the major Australian shows to attend (Sydney or Melbourne), the future of motor shows in the smaller Australian cities is looking very bleak indeed.