The SMMT is to launch the 2002 British International Motor Show on September 4 with the formal unveiling of the marketing concepts, website, show prices and preliminary attractions for the event – a full 14 months before the show opens on October 24, 2002.

With the longest 'lead time' ever Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive, said of the show: “There are more companies designing and building cars in Britain than any other country on earth and together with all of the global brands, the British International Motor Show is the showcase for this great industry, We are starting early to make sure everybody puts the Motor Show dates in their diary - after all it is one of the highlights in the international calendar.” The Marketing Store will handle a £1 million national campaign to promote the event, at the NEC, while the SMS Group has been appointed technical and safety consultants to include exhibition space sales and in-hall sponsorship.