The organisers of the annual CV Show have decided to cancel the show for 2009, citing the economic downturn and its knock-on effect on manufacturers as the reason.
The organisers say that the current economic climate makes it difficult for manufacturers to commit to large international show, suggesting that the take-up from manufacturers had been slow.
A press release from the organisers follows:
The Commercial Vehicle Partnership, comprising the SMMT, RHA and SOE, and the CV Show Committee, made up of the partners and representatives from the commercial vehicle and component sector, agreed today to cancel this year's CV Show scheduled for 28-30 April at Birmingham's NEC.
The Partnership recognised in December that the economic downturn creates a difficult environment for vehicle manufacturers to commit to large international exhibitions. Nevertheless, some 290 exhibitors signed up for the Show requiring the Partners to consult widely with them on support for a focussed engineering-based alternative.
The results indicate that while some support was forthcoming, it was not enough to retain the credibility that the CV Show has created as a major international event of its type and which the Partners and the Show committee were keen to maintain.
"We have obviously noted that just about every other show in this sector has been cancelled for 2009", said RHA Chief Executive Roger King. "But the advanced status of ours did not permit us to cancel without careful consultation.
"This was a difficult decision but, on balance, the right one. What we learned from this exercise was that despite a generally negative response to 2009, there appears a much more positive approach to 2010 which encourages the Partnership to set plans in motion for a show in April of that year".
"This is of course disappointing, but given the current economic climate and the uncertainty created, it is the only decision we could make. Naturally, the Partners are grateful for the NEC's support for this decision", said Nigel Emms, the CV Show Committee Chairman. "Future planning for the next Show should be done against the backdrop of the outstanding 2008 event and not a compromise one for 2009."
Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive added: "2009 will be an extremely challenging year across the motor industry but this decision, while difficult, creates the opportunity to ensure the 2010 event best reflects the changing needs of the road transport industry."
Finally, Society of Operations Engineers Chief Executive Nick Jones said: "Whilst the cost of cancellation may be considerable, all exhibitors will receive a full refund. We are confident that exhibitors will be ready to sign up when details are announced for the 2010 Show".
The Commercial Vehicle Show is owned by the CV Show Partnership, comprising the Road Haulage Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers), a professional sector of the SOE (Society of Operations Engineers).