The team behind the British International Motor Show in 2008 are confident ticket sales will top the 550,000 mark when the show opens on July 23.

The 12 day event will feature and over 60 vehicle marques and 600 new cars. Though the doors are not due to open for another eight months, 80% of stand space has already been sold.

The show is returning to ExCeL London where last year’s event attracted over 415,000 attendees.

The live music stage will return and there are several more events already planned which are new for 2008 including a driving display of supercars from the last five decades, a British Marine Federation display of luxury craft and a programme of on-water entertainment, a 'Kidz Car Zone' for the drivers of tomorrow and a drift school.