Crash International, the Dutch-based exhibitions organiser, has been forced to drop plans to launch two bodyshop events in the UK this year blaming “economic uncertainty” after the September 11 US attacks.

The organisation initially planned to hold two three-day events – at Manchester G-Mex on April 24-26 and in London on October 2-4. Now it has announced a single two-day event at G-Mex from October 2-3.

Critics of the proposed show, which is supported by the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association, said the move showed the organisers were struggling to fill exhibition spaces.

But Monique Doomernik of Crash International dismissed their claims.

“Many companies have shown a lot of interest in the shows,” she said. “Companies are having a bad time at the moment, but if they want to fight against it, Crash is the perfect place to meet new customers.”

The company had reduced stand prices because the show was now a two-day event instead of three, she added.