The first regular motor show in the United Kingdom was the British International Motor Show organized by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The inaugural show took place in 1903 at the Crystal Palace in London. The event was held in London for over seven decades before moving to Birmingham. From 1978 until 2004, it was held in Birmingham biennially and then returned to London for two final shows in 2006 and 2008.
London Motorfair was founded in 1977 as an alternative London motor show after the British International Motor Show’s move to Birmingham. It was held at Earls Court every other year from 1977 to 1999. In 1993, it was renamed the London Motor Show after gaining the support of the SMMT.
In 2014, Prince Michael of Kent, the cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, announced the relaunch of the London Motor Show. The first relaunched show was held from May 5–8, 2016 at Battersea Park. It featured Bloodhound, the UK’s land speed record attempt car designed to reach 1,000 mph, and the prototype hydrogen care Riversimple. In total there were forty exhibitors.
The London Motor Show has been held every year since its relaunch. In 2018, it moved from Battersea Park to ExCeL London, a large exhibition and international convention center in London Docklands. The show provides a prominent platform for the UK’s automotive industry, offering a rich and diverse program aimed at industry professionals and the general public alike.
The London Motor Show features leading car manufacturers and brands from the UK and abroad. For example, exhibitors at the 2018 show included Mitsubishi, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, BMW, Honda, Rolls Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Land Rover, Jaguar, Bentley, McLaren, and more.
Alongside car displays, the show features the “BIG” Zone showcasing oversized vehicles, the Built in Britain zone showcasing local manufacturers, breathtaking driving displays and live performances, a vehicle wrapping and customizing zone, and other entertainment.
Photo: facebook.com/londonmotorshow
