Mitsubishi and MG Rover will be at this year's British International Motor Show. Just three months ago Mitsubishi said it would not attend the NEC event because of costs - about £750,000. But after securing new product managing director Jim Tyrrell says the company will exercise its option to attend, although with a smaller display area.

MG Rover, which missed the last NEC event, says its decision to exhibit follows success at other European motor shows.

Mitsubishi's change of heart was prompted after an agreement by executives in Japan to display the Airtrek 4x4 after it appears at the Paris motor show. Strong sales - up 31 per cent in April and 10 per cent year-to-date - also helped. “It means we've been able to increase our marketing budget,” he says.