SMMT News

World line-up for British International Motor Show

19 September 2002 #SMMT News

With less than two months before the 2002 British International Motor Show opens its doors to over half a million visitors, the line up is set to be the biggest and best to date.

Visitors can look forward to six world debuts, two European premieres and more than 45 UK debuts, as well as an area of the Show dedicated to the wealth of talent in UK specialist sports car manufacture.

The brand new Ferrari Enzo will make its first UK outing alongside the elegant Bentley GT coupé and the Caterham Superlight R300. International players like Ford, Land Rover, Renault, Vauxhall, Citröen and Volkswagen are also getting ready to show-off their latest models to Europe’s second largest car market.

With a racing heritage renowned the world over, it comes as no surprise that the biggest stars, the most popular personalities and the most glamorous machinery from the racing world will be heading to Birmingham for the ever-popular Motor Sports Days on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November.

But it’s not just new cars and celebrities that pull in the crowds at the UK’s biggest consumer exhibition. A whole host of attractions and exciting events are planned, like MINI Adventure Live! with stunt driving featuring the British-built MINI, air displays and live action stage shows.

Formula One fans can experience pit lane thrills by taking part in an F1 wheel change challenge, while off-roaders will be queuing up to live life on ‘The Edge’, a 21-tonne steel structure that will take visitors on a white-knuckle ride of their lives.

Commenting on this year’s Show, SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: ‘Our aim is to give visitors a major league Motor Show, which will keep them entertained all day. At this year’s event there will be something for everyone, loads of fun things to do and see, better amenities, and of course a truly international line-up of new cars.’

Applications for media accreditation are being accepted via the media-only website at www.newspress.co.uk/motorshow_2002 Newspress registered journalists will automatically be able to access the site and on-line application form with their existing password. Or, enter BIMS as your user name and 2002 as the password. Press Day is scheduled for Tuesday 22 October 2002.

Notes to editors:


  1. The British International Motor Show 2002 takes place from 23 October to 3 November at Birmingham’s NEC with public access from 24 October. Discount tickets for the Show are now on sale for those who book in advance through the web site at www.motorshow.co.uk Visitors can save £3 by booking on-line, with adult tickets priced at £12 for public days. On the door, tickets are priced at £15. For the Daily Telegraph preview day on 24 October, tickets cost £25 in advance but £40 on the door, an on-line saving of more than a third. All discounts are available until midnight on Sunday 13 October, when tickets revert to normal on-the-door prices.
  2. For visitors without access to the Internet, tickets are available through the Motor Show box office ticket line on 0870 906 2002. Lines are open 9am – 8pm on weekdays and 10am – 8pm at the weekend.
  3. During the Show, doors will open from 9.30am to 7pm on all public days, closing at 5.30 pm on the final day.

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