2010 British Auto Show Canceled

LONDON — The 2010 British Auto Show has been canceled, yet another victim of the dramatic downturn in the global auto industry.

"The economic downturn and the unprecedented challenges facing the industry, both in the U.K. and around the world, have made it impossible for exhibitors to commit to a 2010 event," said the show organizers in a statement on Thursday. The British show is a biennial event.

The show's cancellation seemed to be expected by auto industry observers here. The BBC commented that "World premieres and important concept vehicles have been relatively few and far between at British shows in recent years."

"I am not surprised at the cancellation of this event; the motor industry is on its knees and the cost of an event on this scale is wholly unjustifiable," said Richard Mason, managing director of the Web site motoring.co.uk, in a statement on Friday. "Continuing with the show would be comparable to hosting a banqueting feast during a famine."

Auto shows around the world have taken hits in the wake of economic woes. Earlier this year, the 2009 Detroit Auto Show was snubbed by several automakers, including Nissan, Ferrari and Porsche. Some pressure has been applied to organizers of the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show to cancel that event. Earlier this year, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler said they will not be participating in the Tokyo show because of cost issues.

Inside Line says: A major auto show bites the dust, which is yet another indication of the perilous times for automakers. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent