The car industry will get a welcome boost when the Ricoh Arena in Coventry opens its doors to the first Midlands Motor Show next month.
The two-day event will feature car launches, test drives, and a gala dinner. Organisers say the event, which will be staged at the Ricoh on August 1 and 2, was already winning support before the 2010 British International Motor Show was cancelled because of the recession.
Manufacturers including Ford, Porsche and Vauxhall have signed up.
“We want to create a motor show which the industry will be proud of,” said organiser Roy Bird from the Chester Group said. “We hope this will be the start of an annual show that will showcase the exciting engineering and technological advances taking place.
“The response from manufacturers has been extremely positive and we have incorporated many different elements of a traditional motor show to give every member of the family a day out to remember.
“The Vauxhall Insignia VXR will be among a handful of cars making its first UK motor show appearance and local dealerships will give motorists the chance to go on a 15-minute test drive straight from the venue instead of having to book an appointment.
“Those with a daredevil nature can have a go at drifting with Westfield Sportscars and driving over a steel demonstration stage on the Land Rover Terrapod which is ideal for those thinking of buying a 4x4, since it re-creates how it feels to drive off road.
“In the next few weeks we will be announcing the guest speakers at our gala dinner on August 1 when we will also be holding a charity auction. And there will also be forums on a wide range of subjects from the modifications needed to cars for disabled drivers to advice on how to get into motor sport.”
Dominic Fleming, head of sales at the Ricoh Arena, which is jointly sponsoring the show, said: “It is fantastic so many high-profile names from the world of motoring have agreed to take part in the inaugural Midlands Motor Show. Coventry was the heartbeat of the motoring industry for so long that it is only right that a motor show is held in the city.
“The Ricoh’s location in the heart of the country means that tickets have already been sold to enthusiasts from all parts of the UK.”
Tickets, which have been subsidised by the organisers to keep the price at a minimum, are available costing £10 in advance or £12.50 on the day from www.midlandsmotorshow.co.uk. Go on-line to download a discount voucher to bring the cost down to £10. Visitors can download and print as many vouchers as required and produce them on entry to get the discount.
