Auto Express predicted...

Auto Express predicted the move in a world exclusive story in September (issue 824). The organisers are already promising to build on the "interactive" elements of the 2004 event, and are talking about test drives, a live-action arena and even drive-in movies and evening concerts.

The decision to dump the NEC in Birmingham comes after a secret ballot of major car makers and industry bigwigs organised by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which stages the show.

The NEC has been home to the exhibition since 1978, and bosses at the venue have been rocked by the result. They told Auto Express they were "incredulous" at the decision and expected a backlash.

But the SMMT"s chief executive, Christopher McGowan, explained: "The motor industry is backing a bid which promises to deliver a world-class event in the world"s greatest city.

"We believe a move to ExCeL will build on the motor show"s rich history, giving it a platform that will reclaim its international reputation as a premier league event." The decision to move will be a body blow to the West Midlands economy, which makes millions of pounds from the staging of the show at the NEC every two years. ExCeL also beat off competition from another London venue, Earls Court.

Industry insiders have hinted it won the contract partly because it"s likely to offer a lower entry price and so could attract more visitors. It"s also hoped the Docklands venue will appeal to wealthy potential customers from nearby Canary Wharf. But others we spoke to were shocked by the decision to hold the UK"s largest consumer exhibition in east London, and reckoned the location would put some people off.

However, ExCeL"s managing director, Kevin Murphy, said: "We hope to rejuvenate the show and open it up to a new audience. Our 100-acre campus will allow visitors to fully inter-act with the cars and manufacturers."

And what do the big five make of it?

Vauxhall: "As a British maker with a UK manufacturing base, we will always support the show, wherever it is held. We will watch with interest to see which other firms back the move."

Ford: "It is not the location of the event that is most important to the British Motor Show. Whether all the manufacturers turn up is what will make or break it."

Mercedes: "We are delighted that the show will be returning to London. We will be attending, but at the moment it is too early to say exactly what our level of presence will be."

BMW: "We might be at the next British Motor Show. The location and the facilities on offer are the key factors we will be considering."

MG Rover: "We support the choice for the London location for the 2006 show. Staging it in the capital is certain to raise the event"s international profile."